Q&A for How to Sing in a Choir

Blending is when all the members of a choir make adjustments to their vowel shapes and vocal tone so that all the voices sound similar. In this technique, no voices stand out, which can help the harmonies achieve maximum overtones.

Choral tone is a way of singing that reduces the unique qualities of a person's voice so that it sounds similar to the other singers in the choir. It is characterized by full vowels, controlled volume, and excellent pitch.

There are lots of types of choirs. Common examples are symphony chorus or chamber choir, church choir or gospel choir, choral consort, and barbershop group or show choir.

Alto is the term describing the lower female voice range in a choir. The higher female voice range is soprano, and the male choral ranges are tenor and bass.

Yes, since you are exercising your voice more.

Voices (99.99% male) between bass and tenor are called baritones. Many men who are baritones sing in men's choirs using three-part or four-part male choir music. Baritones are also found in mixed choirs that sing music with more than the standard soprano, alto, tenor, and bass arrangements. Solo songs have been written for baritones, and songs can easily be adapted for a baritone voice by altering the key.

Try to sing at the choir's pitch, or improvise by melodizing or harmonizing.

Yes! In fact, church choirs are frequently comprised of people who don't have any formal singing training.

It depends. If you're in a strict competitive choir, it could be up to 5 hours when practicing for shows. But if you're in a loose, just-for-fun choir, 30 minute practices are more the norm.

In most choirs, you are not supposed to sit down because it is more difficult to produce a supported vocal sound when your diaphram is folded. However, if you have a disability, they will probably make an exception.

"Tenor" delineates a male vocal range. The closest female range is alto, which is the lowest female voice in a choir.

You won't sound exactly like them, but you might sound somewhat similar.

Nothing. All you need is your voice and confidence.

It depends on the type of choir you join. If you join a church choir, then yes, that is the purpose of the church choir.

You may be a contralto then. Find out the exact notes of your vocal range and compare it with results online. Contraltos are usually F3-D5.

Vocally warming up can help with getting rid of it. Also, continuing to drink water helps to thin out the mucous. You cannot get rid of it completely, but you can thin it out and make it less of a problem.

Follow the directions of the leaders. There may be certain attire for that.

Yes. Contact the choir director.

That is the certain attire that that choir members wear during performances

An example of a movie that introduces you to choral singing is "The Sound of Music" released in 1965.

Rehearse with the choir or ballet company and then perform like a pro without stage fright.

Costumes and uniforms are required for performances and dress rehearsal. Regular clothes are usually okay for most rehearsals.

Choral accompaniment refers to the piano or other keyboard instruments or the orchestra that plays the music the choir sings to.

If you are determined to join a choir, take vocal lessons to improve your singing ability.

A chamber choir is essentially a small choir group consisting of 8 to 40 singers. It typically sings classical and religious music.

This is the final stage of rehearsal in theatre or music performances. The actors or musicians wear the costumes or outfits of the play or music production and go over the lines or songs, running the entire show to fit the same times as the actual show would be on the night, including the intermissions.

A rehearsal is when everyone in the choir gets together to practice the songs they will sing for the performance. When you join the choir, usually the director will tell you what time the rehearsals at and where. If you don't have this information, try to find the choir's website, it probably has rehearsal times and places listed.

Soprano, mezzo soprano, alto, tenor and bass are the ranges in a church choir.

Yes, right notes (e.g. make sure your choir is not flat or sharp), understanding the text of the piece, (emotion in your face that reflects the song- this is more for live performances), right tempo, right rhythm, dynamics that correspond with the piece, not speeding up mid song or slowing down (see tempo), not being breathy, having a clear sound, and being able to follow the director.

Make sure your hair is out of your face and isn't going to distract you while onstage. Try putting it up in a bun, or if your hair is shorter, put half of it up. Headbands and hairclips normally aren't allowed, so be aware of that. Ponytail holders should be either black or the color of your hair. Makeup wise, keep it very natural. Neutral colored blushes and highlights tend to look very pretty on stage. I normally go with neutral shades when it comes to lipstick, too, I wouldn't do any dark colors.