WARMING UP: PRE-VOCALIZATION EXERCISES 101
Words Lindo Lindo
Filipinos love music, and ditto for singing. It seems likely that in every family reunion or friendly get-together, the videoke machine is a usual fixture. One person may just randomly grab the microphone, key in the song code and burst into Gloria Gaynor song. I, myself, have sung countless I Will Survive’s, but mind you, it’s not an easy feat to ‘survive’ this song especially with the challenge of accurately hitting the high notes, and of course, the obligatory dance a la Ricky Martin it entails. One must live up to the song, you know!
Preparation is the key to successful singing. Joining the UP Concert Chorus, I learned exercises that can help a singer in delivering an excellent performance. It is a common routine in our group to do vocal warm-ups and whole-body exercises prior to rehearsals and performances. These pre-vocalization exercises help the members release muscle tension in the head, face, neck, shoulders, abdomen/diaphragm, back and leg—which affects good vocal production. Doing these warm-ups relaxes the body and opens the throat—allowing the singer to hit the notes with support and avoiding strain during the vocalises.
So, with the special participation of some fellow members, I am sharing some of my favorite— fun and easy— pre-vocalization exercises:
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LIP TRILLS, LIP ROLLS, LIP BUBBLES or FLAPPING LIPS