WarmupTips

Tips for Warming up Before Singing

by Anabel Graetz

First thing, don't try to out sing everyone, if you can't hear anyone else, you're probably singing too loud and could be pushing your voice dangerously, which can cause all kinds of vocal problems.

Next, dress warm and be sure to wear a scarf or muffler around your throat, and an extra layer over your chest. It will be pretty chilly tomorrow, and a bit windy. (Although, I note the the high wind warnings have been taken down).

Third, stay well hydrated. Warm beverages are best, eschew anything iced or ice cold while you are singing.

Next, inhale through your nose; that way the air is heated a bit before it hits your vocal chords and some of the awful stuff in the air doesn't gather in your lungs or on your throat. Breathe from your stomach (diaphragm), and support the voice well.

Stand close to the people you sing with; the closer the better. That way you won't feel that you need to push your voice to be heard. And everyone will hear each other better. This doesn't mean to make a circle; a half circle is fine, just stay close together and let those a bit less tall come into the center of the arc.

If you want to warm up before hand tomorrow, let me know. I'm available to lead some from 11:50 to noon, when we start singing.