Sparkle? Not as easy as it looks.
There is a saying about being like a duck on the water. This is a quote from Brainyquote.com
"Be like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath." Micheal CaineWe are often told to "Sparkle" which means to look engaged. Our faces should reflect the message of the music. Music (on television) as as much about what people see as it is about what they hear. Of course, this is true. Look at MTV and the way visuals dominate modern music over actual music ability.
What is tricky is that while we are trying to have "Sparkle" comes in addition to other things because the broadcast is live music. No lip syncing here, folks. So, here is a brief list of things going through my mind during the Music and the Spoken Word broadcast:
- posture
- breathing
- pitch
- resonance
- transitioning into different voice placements (head voice, light singing, full voice, etc.)
- notes
- tone
- blend
- lyrics (memorized pieces are tricky as well)
- dynamics
- phrasing
- my positioning with others around me
- listening to the other parts
- orchestration/organ
- conductor cues
- blinding lights
- cameras in the face
Surprised? Most people would be. Are we JUST singing? Not really. We are focusing on a lot of things involved with singing in addition to our "Sparkle."
Mack requires us to give 100%, just as he is 100% committed at every rehearsal and performance. He is prepared, he is direct, he uses the time he has to the fullest. He expects us to do the same. So after a concert or other choir event, we are usually mentally exhausted. This requires a lot of focus.
I'm grateful to be surrounded by others driven to improve every week. To think we are all like ducks flapping like crazy but staying smooth on top of the water makes me smile. Maybe I'll imagine that image while we sing as I'm sure it will give me a great big grin.
