Kentucky Vocal Union Performance Technique and Craft
This page outlines instructional material we utilize as an ensemble.
The Four C's
The KVU utilizes typical choral exercises and rehearsal techniques to learn music and improve as performers. In addition, we strive to utilize some "best practices" we've discovered over the years - both vocally and visually. We've organized much of this under four KEY words - simply call "The Four C's".
Control Commit Complete Connect
Control
Vocally
It is likely notes may be too high, low, or you may become winded. KVU suggests:
Switch voice parts for a phrase (if a regular issue, check in with your section leader)
Lip Sync for a phrase
Tame the “extremes” in your vocal character and sing into the “voice” of the chorus or section….we don’t want you to be a vocal hero and try to save the chorus.
Sing with a controlled, supported, and consistent air-flow: don’t explode on the first sound after the breath.
The KVU voice is a clear, clean, forward and bright voice that in our high ranges is always mixed or falsetto. The following vocal choices hurt our sound:
Scooping
Vibrato
Excessive pressure on first sound
Chest voice too high in range
Pressed voice too low in range
Sneak breaths, especially on bar lines
Sing at a volume that you can hear the chorus AND hear yourself.
Louder volumes you should hear more of you in the mix.
Softer volumes you should hear more of the chorus in the mix.
Sing in the style instructed by our voice teachers and leaders.
Visually
Perform in a way that nothing pops out individually, unless instructed to do so.
Don’t make extra “rogue” gestures with your hands or face.
Don’t add tension in your body, or it will add tension in your performance and voice.
Commit
Vocally
Get immediately to each vowel target and pitch.
Use our sheet music and learning tracks to maximize your learning and KVU song interpretation.
Be 100% word and note accurate.
100% high on pitch. The pitch is always in our mind like a metronome is for rhythm.
Don’t lean on the section and ooze into entrances. Be bold.
KVU has a tradition of directorless singing… you must execute the vocal plan without a director.
Sing in the style instructed by our voice teachers and leaders.
Visually
KVU movement has three elements:
Pre-move (often the opposite direction)
Move (the instructed move at a moment in time)
End (perhaps the most critical, the exact moment when movement stops or transitions)
When performing planned movement, be aggressive about the start and end point...don’t wait for others.
Perform like a stage actor with full commitment to a story, rather than a singer delivering a beautiful melody with no heart or interest in the subject.
Be human and vulnerable in your performance.
Don’t be a Martian.
KVU has a tradition of directorless performing… you must remember what to do without a director.
Perform in the style instructed by our performance teachers and leaders.
Complete
Vocally
Vowel targets to full duration. By default, it should be until the next word sound is sung,
Word sounds, with special attention to diphthongs (80/20 rule).
Phrases that create artistic lines.
The entire song with energy to the end (we don’t lose gas on the last 2 pages)
Give an extra pulse at the end of each word or syllable (2-pulse method)
Use singable consonants (m, n, l, z, v, etc) and emphasize sounds between words (we don’t speak this way)
Sing to the breath - make the breath artistic.
Never let yourself become winded. Use Stealth Breathing or lip syncing. If you are winded, you will never recover before the song is over (when we need you most)!
Visually
Pre-move, move, and end point with intention.
Emotional arc: we don’t suddenly experience joy then anguish… this takes transition time.
You must practice to perfection to build endurance and stamina – especially when performing choreography.
Stay constantly “ON” visually and musically for the entire song.
Connect
Vocally
To your core when you sing...singing is athletic.
To your body… feel strong, confident, tall, and balanced.
To your breath… we always take more air than is needed for the phrase, even when it’s short (always have a full tank of gas)
Visually
To your emotions… let the lyrics, melody, rhythm, and harmony all impact your state.
To your chorus brothers… see them and risk with them: together.
To the director (if out front).... Watch for every nuance, gesture, and body language.
To the audience… use the story of the song and share through your eyes, body, and mind.