The last few weeks I have been studying videos of 4-5th Grade Chorus concerts. My interest has centered on concert shows that have a coordinated THEME or have been written by one composer. Some shows have focused on curriculum-driven topics such as The Westward Expansion, or Ancient Egypt. Some have been just for fun like 1950's Rock 'n Roll or Under the Sea, or Jungle Safari.
As I watched the videos of just regular school groups performing, I noticed that the best performances were when the singers sang with SIMPLE LIVE accompaniment. In other words, the chorus sounded best when they were not overshadowed by SOPHISTICATED full orchestral accompaniment minus tracks. When the children were supported by just a few live instruments (piano, flute, bass, guitar, etc.), they tended to sing better IN TUNE and with more musicality and cohesion.
As I watched the videos of just regular school groups performing, I noticed that the best performances were when the singers sang with SIMPLE LIVE accompaniment. In other words, the chorus sounded best when they were not overshadowed by SOPHISTICATED full orchestral accompaniment minus tracks. When the children were supported by just a few live instruments (piano, flute, bass, guitar, etc.), they tended to sing better IN TUNE and with more musicality and cohesion.
Sure, the highly orchestrated minus tracks were flashy and fun, but they were difficult to balance with the singers in a live setting without the benefit of good SOUND EQUIPMENT, good ROOM ACOUSTICS, and most of all, a good SOUND ENGINEER. Then, when the accompaniment was boosted high enough so that the singers could follow it, the singers themselves were overwhelmed. But if the music was not boosted, the singers had trouble staying in tune. A vicious cycle.
ROOM ACOUSTICS are such a determining factor for whether a performance will be successful. Let's be real. Neither a gym or cafetorium were designed for musical performances, yet they are the only venues available at most schools for performances. They have no carpeting or acoustic tiles on the walls to limit ECHO. They may have huge AC fans or Heating vents blowing very loudly -- of course during the performance! The only speakers may be of the "Dixie cup" order imbedded all over the ceiling. The Minus tracks will be broadcast through these little speakers, but the chorus won't. Balance may be impossible to achieve.
ROOM ACOUSTICS are such a determining factor for whether a performance will be successful. Let's be real. Neither a gym or cafetorium were designed for musical performances, yet they are the only venues available at most schools for performances. They have no carpeting or acoustic tiles on the walls to limit ECHO. They may have huge AC fans or Heating vents blowing very loudly -- of course during the performance! The only speakers may be of the "Dixie cup" order imbedded all over the ceiling. The Minus tracks will be broadcast through these little speakers, but the chorus won't. Balance may be impossible to achieve.
Most of these shows could have been staged as and considered concert-style Musical Theater. The STORY LINES and NARRATIONS were well-conceived, just difficult to manage given the limitations of the venues as well as the limited vision of the Director. The movement of kids climbing on and off off the risers to get to the standing microphones took a lot of time, was rather noisy, and looked very distracting. And the epic, grand orchestrations were simply too sophisticated for the situation and were awkward to CUE. The kids tended to try to match the volume and style of accompaniment. But instead of sounding like beautiful singing, they ended up sounding like a lot of unmusical shouting.
By contrast, the chorus concerts with piano accompaniment, even in a less than optimal hall, had much better balance. The piano was truly FOLLOWING and SUPPORTING the singers --- NOT the other way around. Yet, even when some of the groups had to use a recorded accompaniment, the SIMPLE (fewer instruments) tracks balanced the singers better.
Too bad so many chorus teachers chose the more SOPHISTICATED minus tracks for their concert programs.
Too bad so many chorus teachers chose the more SOPHISTICATED minus tracks for their concert programs.
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