Making Warm-Ups Mandatory

[kodacolor]

Do you believe it's a good idea to make vocal warm-ups mandatory?  Should instrumental warm-ups be made mandatory?

Do you feel that it should be up to the choir directors, P&W leaders, and the musician's leader to decide if they want to do warm-ups?

[T-Block]

Do you believe it's a good idea to make vocal warm-ups mandatory? 

Yes, a warmed-up voice will sound better than a non-warmed up voice any day. And it's healthier for the voice.

Should instrumental warm-ups be made mandatory?

No, but it is a good idea to get your fingers warmed-up a little before practicing or performing.

Do you feel that it should be up to the choir directors, P&W leaders, and the musician's leader to decide if they want to do warm-ups?

Yes. Everyone is different and some people don't even know or care about warm-ups.

[under13]

I agree with T-Block.

[kodacolor]

Yes, a warmed-up voice will sound better than a non-warmed up voice any day. And it's healthier for the voice.

Yes. Everyone is different and some people don't even know or care about warm-ups.

I'm confused...should it be mandatory or shouldn't it?

[sjonathan02]

I'm confused...should it be mandatory or shouldn't it?

There is no 'should or shouldn't'; there's what works for one's music ministry.

[kodacolor]

There is no 'should or shouldn't'; there's what works for one's music ministry.

In that case I'm stuck between a rock an a hard place.  In the ministry I'm over they need to warm up, but the people directing them don't know warm ups.  I'm willing to help them find warm ups that will warm up the singer's voices, but I doubt the leaders are up to it.  They see warm-ups as a waste of time. 

Side Bar:  I think what they really need is to teach proper vocal technique.  In 7th grade my chorus teacher had to undergo vocal chord surgery because of improper singing.  I don't want anyone getting hurt in the name of serving the Lord, ya know?

[betnich]

IMO you need to get into one accord with the music leaders. Listen carefully to their input; that helps them feel valued. Then discuss. If they don't see a clear REASON for things like vocal training/warmups, separate practice for singers + musicians, or any other commitment to excellence, they will not support or follow it through and those efforts will backfire.

And please take care in how guidelines for any group are phrased. For some, saying that something is 'mandatory' is like waving a red flag in front of a bull...big difference between saying something should be done because it is good and laying down edicts to be obeyed (or not)...

[sjonathan02]

IMO you need to get into one accord with the music leaders. Listen carefully to their input; that helps them feel valued. Then discuss. If they don't see a clear REASON for things like vocal training/warmups, separate practice for singers + musicians, or any other commitment to excellence, they will not support or follow it through and those efforts will backfire.

And please take care in how guidelines for any group are phrased. For some, saying that something is 'mandatory' is like waving a red flag in front of a bull...big difference between saying something should be done because it is good and laying down edicts to be obeyed (or not)...

Cosign!

In that case I'm stuck between a rock an a hard place.  In the ministry I'm over they need to warm up, but the people directing them don't know warm ups.  I'm willing to help them find warm ups that will warm up the singer's voices, but I doubt the leaders are up to it.  They see warm-ups as a waste of time. 

Side Bar:  I think what they really need is to teach proper vocal technique.  In 7th grade my chorus teacher had to undergo vocal chord surgery because of improper singing.  I don't want anyone getting hurt in the name of serving the Lord, ya know?

Proper vocal technique is important.

As for "warm-ups", why not suggest doing an old song that the choir or praise team may not be singing that particular Sunday?


It warms up the voice.

Can set the mood for rehearsal.

The directors (and singers) don't have to feel like they're out of their element doing "vocal chores".


'Tis a thought. 

[T-Block]

I'm confused...should it be mandatory or shouldn't it?

That's up to you to decide. Every church is different so there is no universal yes or no answer.

[tobiustobi1]

Simply remedy!  Purchase one of those Choir warm-up CD's by Chris & Carole Beatty, and make copies for all the singers...and make it mandatory that they warm-up on their OWN time before they leave home or in the car to church. 

If they're not warmed up and you hear their off pitch, get on to them...you will tell who warmed up or not!

Check these out:
http://www.amazon.com/Voacl-Workout-Serise-Ultimate-Warm-ups/dp/B001F6MJJI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1242635904&sr=1-6

http://www.vocalcoach.com/Store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3&sort=20a&page=2

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/search?author=Chris%20Beatty&detailed_search=1&action=Search

[amstudiosproducer]

I have to agree with T-Block. A warmed up voice is better then a non warmed up voice. But in warming up the voice you have to have a method. At the llast church I shared music ministry at, the MD did vocal warmups but had no method and so it was pointless because she just had the choir singing warmups with no proper technique. It is important to have the choir sitting on the edge of their chairs and sitting straight up, so that there diaphragm is support. It does the voice no good if everything else isnt supported. As musicians its important that we teach correctly.