Ame

**The Joy and Pleasure of Singing:**
  No one can really TEACH someone how to enjoy a certain activity; the individual must be willing to be involved and cooperate on their own. The teacher who is trying to teach the joy and pleasure of singing can incorporate what the student likes into the singing so that the student is more willing, or allow the student to organize him or herself somewhat, in relations to song choice, choreography etc. Considering the likes, dislikes, and opinions of the student shows that the teacher finds it important that the student is enjoying his or herself.

It is evident when a singer takes joy in singing, which also renders the performance more enjoyable for the audience. This evidence includes...


 * Good posture
 * Smiling
 * Movement (in accordance to the beat of the song)
 * Concentration (not being distracted by people in the audience)

To develop these elements the teacher should urge the students to look straight forward, as it prevents the student from being distracted by what is happening in the audience, and also gives the listeners the feeling that the singer is confident. Secondly, the student must take it into their own hands to practice independently, and strive to expand their vocal range.

Below is a link to a video of artist Rachelle Farrell performing "Autumn Leaves", to me this is a very impressive performance, and though she is not always looking strait ahead, the listener can tell she enjoys what she does because of her movement, which indicates that she puts all her effort into the song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en6kmiX0SDc

**Over Pronunciation or Enunciation:**
In the video shown above of artist Rachelle Farrell, it is evident that she strains her face and puts her hand on her diaphragm because it helps her to both project her voice and reach such high and low notes clearly (and so it's not pitchy). Singing will being conscious of pronunciation and enunciation is like learning English all over again but exaggerated. Like a student who is first learning to pronounce English words, a student in choir learning to pay attention to pronouncing/enunciating, shapes his/her mouth in a particular way in order to speak the sounds of different vowels and consonants. Vowels are particularly difficult in pronunciation Different excersices that may help might include...


 * Shaping your mouth in a large O then singing a note in the "o" sound
 * Shaping your mouth in a smaller O then singing a note in the "oo" sound
 * Opening and closing your mouth repeatedly singing a note, saying "mi, mi, mi..."
 * Raising and lowering your tongue repeated singing a note, saying "la, la, la..."
 * Extending the corners of your mouth (resembling a smile) to project the "ee" sound
 * Inhaling as much air as possible, and then slowly releasing it until your diaphragm feels empty (this will help the student to control breathing and ultimately extend the sounds they sing

Below is an instructional video on the proper pronunciation of vowels while singing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKuND4PVoUg

A good example of a type of music that exercises voice enunciation and pronunciation is opera. Opera singers are the epitome of enunciation and voice projection used for singing. Not only do they have amazing, lung capacities, they also have the ability to reach high and low notes thanks to a flexibility of range. Below is a link to a world renown opera song called "Time to Say Goodbye" sung by Andre Bocelli and Sarah Brightman.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtivSTZrezc

**Physical Communication:**
Physical communication is a notable aspect of singing in front of an audience. Body movements and choreography not only make singing more enjoyable and relaxed for the singer, but for the audience it demonstrates confidence, and the audience can also tell when the performer is singing by his/her own will and wants to perform for them, and this makes the listeners feel more acknowledged and respected. Body movements and choreography could help the singer commit to the song in the way that singing and moving at the same time provides a challenge, which is a positive turn of events; instead of repeating the song non-stop there's the alternative of working with the choreography one day and practicing the song the next, then working with the two. In conclusion, as performers we want our audience to enjoy the performance and have a part of it as the singers do, this said, not everyone in the audience would know the words of the song and be able to sing along, however virtually everyone can move along to the beat when they see the singers doing the same. If there's still something holding you back from moving while singing, despite all the advantages try...


 * Making sure everyone in the singing group is dancing the same moves as you so that you don't feel singled out or insecure
 * Practice at home in front of a mirror and give yourself tips on how to get better
 * Find someone in your group who may not be the best dancer, but is participating happily nevertheless, and use their enthusiasm and confidence as inspiration