'TIS THE SEASON
The holiday season is full of songs and gatherings and is the peak season for caroling which typically begins in early December and ends before the New Year. It is a lucrative time for many singers and companies and provides robust opportunities. While there are many benefits to participating in Christmas caroling, there are several side effects. We'll discuss the demands of the caroling season, how it impacts the voice, and how to minimize the side effects.
UNDERSTANDING ANATOMY
I unlocked a powerful understanding of the voice once I learned the physiological properties of the vocal folds. Once I could see what components within the body work together to achieve a specific goal, I could apply that knowledge to alter my vocal technique for better results.
Research on this topic caters to the four categories of learners: auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and reading/writing. I receive knowledge best through auditory, visual, and kinesthetic approaches. However, years of academia have taught me to appreciate and enjoy scholarly research through reading. Know what learning process best suits you to use to your advantage. Additionally, take this opportunity to train your mind on the benefits of vulnerability during new learning processes.
PREPARATION
The caroling season is demanding and can present opportunities for sickness and fatigue. Preparing for this season is similar to test-driving a used car before purchasing. You can save time and purchase the car outright, but run the risk of costly malfunctions that could cause permanent damage. You have one voice and it is vital to treat it cautiously.
Before the caroling season begins, construct a schedule incorporating consistent vocal warmups. Your preparatory practice stage will depend on your singing expertise and experience. For beginners, I recommend a minimum of two months of consistent practice accompanied by voice lessons from a trusted professional. Seasoned singers who perform regularly can often train themselves to prepare for the caroling season.
Preliminary vocal training builds the stamina required for caroling. In many circumstances, caroling locations are disadvantageous for quality sound production. Performances may be in extreme weather and in spaces with unfavorable acoustics. Moreover, a caroler may sing for several hours during the day with little rest between gigs. These factors are the perfect recipe for injury. Your mind and body need stamina to combat the elements.
Stamina is your body’s ability to sustain physical activities for an extended length of time. This process directly affects the cardiovascular system and muscular and mental states. The cardiovascular system operates efficiently when there is a proper amount of oxygen available for cellular stability. Therefore, training the cardiovascular system through aerobic activities can yield a high level of stamina for vocal efficiency.
Soprano Lisette Oropesa Explains the Benefits of Cardiovascular Exercise & Singing
Knowing your repertoire is essential. Some companies require singers to know hundreds of songs. Unless you have perfect pitch and/or are an accomplished sight reader, you may need to spend a decent amount of time learning your parts. Mastering your part before the season begins allows you to focus on proper technique to minimize fatigue.
KNOW YOUR VOICE
Singers should have an idea of their singing range. If you do not know, you can try the following method:
For two weeks, find the lowest pitch you can sing.
Find out if you can hold the note comfortably with correct laryngeal positioning, or if it is easier to sing the note quickly. If it is easier to sing the note quickly, go up a half-step until you can sing through the note with resonance for a slow four-count.
Follow step 1 for the highest pitch you can sing.
From the notes you've established from steps 1 and 2, go up a perfect fourth for the lowest, and down a perfect fourth for the highest. If your resonance is optimal on both of these notes, establish this as a range you would feel comfortable singing to an audience. With practice, you can work on extending your range by incorporating additional notes.
Take a moment to look at fifty percent of the repertoire and note if the music is well-suited for your voice. You can use this information and your willingness to prepare to make a logical decision about whether the gig is within your capabilities. Some companies are busier than others during the holiday season thus providing an abundance of opportunities for singers. While the advantage is experience and more money, the disadvantage is excess singing. It is important to speak to the organizer about the job's demands and discuss whether that can be negotiated to your benefit should you get fatigued rapidly. Remember that every singer’s tolerance is different, and knowing yours is helpful.
RELATABILITY
The best-trained singers are not exempt from exhaustion and fatigue. At some point, regardless of training and expertise, the body has a limit to its functioning capabilities. With this in mind, it is beneficial to understand that the functions of the vocal folds are to protect the lungs from unwanted substances by acting as a valve, producing sound, and regulating air flow into our lungs. I strongly believe its primary function is lung protection. Singing many hours of the day, in extreme ranges compared to the speaking voice, and in unfavorable environments, is especially unnatural. There is a high probability that the majority of singers would be fatigued. Having the knowledge that vocal fatigue is natural under these circumstances is powerful.
HYDRATION & RELIEF
Being proactive about the risks of singing for long durations will help you be better prepared. Hydration is key to healthy vocal folds. The vocal folds do not come in direct contact with water consumption, as their primary role is to protect unwanted substances, such as water, from entering the lungs. This suggests that vocal folds do not reap the immediate benefits of water consumption. Some propose the hydration needs for optimal-functioning vocal folds are met roughly four hours post-consumption.
Throat lozenges may be beneficial for temporary relief, especially those with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as Ricola. You can keep these on hand for moments of fatigue. Singing dynamics can be an effective technique to limit inflammation within the vocal folds. If your part is not the melody, you can sing quietly or drop out at various moments for preservation. If you know your part well, your fellow singers may not care if you stop singing at certain moments as they may benefit from duplicating the action.
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
My last piece of advice is to speak to those who participate in the caroling season. Ask about their beginning experiences and what they learned throughout their time. Question the companies they have worked for, fellow singers, and singing locations. You can find carol singers in Facebook groups, local church choirs, and in school music departments. Seeking knowledge and advice from seasoned professionals can help in your training stages.
SOURCES
The material in this blog is presented for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
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