We are knee deep in the musical world right now.
Taken from Sally Albrecht at TMEA
1. THEME - Whatʼs the song about? Is there a main focus? Story line? Try to develop a
concept around which you will plan your actions. Look for recurring musical themes, rhythmic
patterns or special lyrics.
2. KEY LYRICS - Pick out movement-oriented words. The most effective
movement—and most memorable—reflects the lyric.
3. RHYTHMS AND RESTS - Look both in the vocals and in the accompaniment!
Reinforce interesting rhythms with a clap, snap, toss of the head, shoulder pulse, etc.
4. POSITIONING YOUR SINGERS - Each staged song should have its own look.
Women vs. men? Partners or trios? Gals center, men outside? Bowling pin formation?
Always weigh these choices against your vocal needs.
5. SIMPLICITY vs. VARIETY - Keep movements simple and clean, but varied; easy to
learn and execute, yet effective and appropriate. Avoid too much repetition, working for
surprises on the third time through the chorus!
6. FACIAL WORK - Your face should describe the emotion of the lyric. Work with mirrors
or let your students mirror each other. Spend some time with the video camera, too!
7. STYLE - Be familiar with different styles of movement. If the title is “Soft Shoe Song,”
chances are youʼll need to know how to do the soft shoe! A simple sway, step touch, or
box step can vary dramatically with a change of arm movements and attitude!
8. VOCAL CONSIDERATIONS - Be careful not to be too active, breath support is most
important to good singing. Plan “rest periods” within a choreographed number—this doesnʼt
mean less energy, just less physical activity interspersed with fancier movement sections.
Beware of too much physical action on high or long-held notes—instead, help your singers
by giving them a movement that lifts and sustains the sound
9. UPPER TORSO vs. FOOTWORK - Limit footwork. Try to keep movements above
or around the head, especially when performing on choral risers. Consider featuring a front
row of students with more footwork. Add fancy feet on the intro or interludes.
10. PROPS/COSTUMES - Add the unexpected, from flashlights to shopping bags,
from hula hoops to stretch bands, from boas to top hats.
Taken from Sally Albrecht at TMEA
1. THEME - Whatʼs the song about? Is there a main focus? Story line? Try to develop a
concept around which you will plan your actions. Look for recurring musical themes, rhythmic
patterns or special lyrics.
2. KEY LYRICS - Pick out movement-oriented words. The most effective
movement—and most memorable—reflects the lyric.
3. RHYTHMS AND RESTS - Look both in the vocals and in the accompaniment!
Reinforce interesting rhythms with a clap, snap, toss of the head, shoulder pulse, etc.
4. POSITIONING YOUR SINGERS - Each staged song should have its own look.
Women vs. men? Partners or trios? Gals center, men outside? Bowling pin formation?
Always weigh these choices against your vocal needs.
5. SIMPLICITY vs. VARIETY - Keep movements simple and clean, but varied; easy to
learn and execute, yet effective and appropriate. Avoid too much repetition, working for
surprises on the third time through the chorus!
6. FACIAL WORK - Your face should describe the emotion of the lyric. Work with mirrors
or let your students mirror each other. Spend some time with the video camera, too!
7. STYLE - Be familiar with different styles of movement. If the title is “Soft Shoe Song,”
chances are youʼll need to know how to do the soft shoe! A simple sway, step touch, or
box step can vary dramatically with a change of arm movements and attitude!
8. VOCAL CONSIDERATIONS - Be careful not to be too active, breath support is most
important to good singing. Plan “rest periods” within a choreographed number—this doesnʼt
mean less energy, just less physical activity interspersed with fancier movement sections.
Beware of too much physical action on high or long-held notes—instead, help your singers
by giving them a movement that lifts and sustains the sound
9. UPPER TORSO vs. FOOTWORK - Limit footwork. Try to keep movements above
or around the head, especially when performing on choral risers. Consider featuring a front
row of students with more footwork. Add fancy feet on the intro or interludes.
10. PROPS/COSTUMES - Add the unexpected, from flashlights to shopping bags,
from hula hoops to stretch bands, from boas to top hats.
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