In February, the performing arts department hosted two vocal masterclasses with acclaimed vocal coaches from prestigious colleges. The first was Bryan Hymel from Rider University and the Westminster Choir College. The second was Randall Scarlata from The Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University.
These renowned singers have performed worldwide with their wide repertoires. Students and parents were invited to a two-hour workshop where each student sang their prepared song and received advice on various vocal techniques to enhance their musicality and composure. The genres ranged from pop to folk to classical operatic songs. Nonetheless, the coaches consistently advised students to improve their articulation, tone, posture, and expression.
“The wonderful thing about being exposed to another teacher in a masterclass situation is they have fresh ears for hearing the students and they may use different language than I do or employ different techniques or different imagery,” vocal coach Mrs. Carole Latimer exclaimed. “The students may connect better with that imagery and that can move the student to a different level of singing.”
Three key takeaways from these masterclasses included posture, projection, and articulation. Posture in singing, as they emphasized, is critical for effective breathing and vocal production. It allows for a more open and relaxed throat, enabling better sound quality.
Another valuable insight that the coaches shared was vocal production—the ability to project one’s voice clearly and confidently. The combination of a good posture, proper breathing, and the control of tone/volume can add a new level of depth and musicality to a singer’s performance.
“It was just an utter thrill for me to watch my students get up and sing so beautifully for someone else and have the kind of positive feedback from someone who’s at such a high level of business.”
ms. carole latimer
Finally, articulation refers to the clarity and precision with which words are pronounced. Strong articulation can help listeners understand lyrics more effectively and clearly while singing as if the singer were reciting a poem or piece of prose to an audience.
“It was just an utter thrill for me to watch my students get up and sing so beautifully for someone else and have the kind of positive feedback from someone who’s at such a high level of business,” Mrs. Latimer said. “I was so proud of everyone, and it was just completely a joy for me to experience that.”
