Page 9 - 2018 Fall Tag and Swipes

Tags and Swipes, Fall 2018

THE INSIDE SCOOP (continued)

Were there regular rehearsal routines that you changed up, devoted more attention to, or added?
Yes, more popcorn and more wine! Just kidding!!! Ha Ha. Seriously, we found that the Monday-
night-after-a-stressful-day-at-work rehearsals were not serving us well. So while our tenor moved to
Vermont, we adopted regular monthly weekend retreats. And although we have fewer rehearsals over a
12-month period, we learned that longer, more concentrated time together was much more productive.
That, coupled with individual work, trietting or duetting when the opportunity arises, all work very well.
Also recording rehearsals on a regular basis is key. And if someone can’t be at a session, we share
recordings.

Is it voice quality, finishing work, sync issues, presentation, tuning that usually gets the most attention
in rehearsal?
Yes. All of the above. It depends on the rehearsal, it depends on the piece we are working on, and it
depends on what we feel needs addressing in that particular moment. For example, even if we think
we've accomplished tuning, as soon as we implement a new skill set or try to bring some coaching
technique into the scenario, the tuning might need to be readdressed. If we had to pick a category, voice
quality, via voice placement probably gets the most attention. Taking care of the instrument through
placement, breath support/management, and resonance probably are what we consistently monitor.

Do you have any special tools you'd like to share?
How much space are we allowed for this article??? There are so many things we would be thrilled to
share either one-on-one or to large groups. But we do feel vocal production on an individual basis is a
major factor. Then coming together, vocal warm-ups and regularly exercising the instrument are key. If
time doesn’t permit, individuals may warm up in her car enroute to rehearsals or performances. Duetting
and trietting with the other(s) listening or watching is also very important. As we get closer to contest,
video recordings are a great help. In addition, this may take time, but it’s important to try different
coaches. Then, coaching regularly with someone you trust, while measuring consistent growth is
important. Most especially, trust and honest feedback among the four of us is something we have always
shared and valued.

Did you get more, or less coaching between contests?
We did more this year. Although more coaching does not necessarily mean more coaches. Having too
many “cooks in the kitchen” can get overwhelming or confusing. After years of working with various
coaches, we have learned to be more thoughtful and efficient about the time and who we are coaching
with. It’s a very personal fit for each quartet. Find ones that speak and communicate on a level that each
quartet member can relate to, and thereby experience positive and inspirational results.

What effect do you feel coaching has for you?
Very positive, invigorating, exciting, motivating, supportive, and more! We have learned that it’s
important to have a consistent fifth ear; someone we trust, whom we can work with regularly and
thereby measure our growth month-to-month, week-to-week, whatever it might be. We record every
coaching session so we can review what we worked on. Then, both individually and as a group, we
work on those things we were coached on. Goal-oriented coaching and having homework results in
skill-building and tangible improvement. It gives us benchmarks to look forward to with specific
deadlines and goals.

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North Atlantic Region 1 Sweet Adelines