Pitch Problems in Choirs

from: http://www.choristersguild.org/faq.html#2

Pitch Matching

QUESTION: What are some of the reasons for pitch-matching problems?

ANSWER (provided by Judy Henneberger): Some of the reasons for difficulty in matching pitch include:


lack of experience and training in singing
lack of concentration
undeveloped tonal memory
lack of coordination of thinking, breathing, hearing, and vocalization Skills
has no concept of melodic direction and high and low
auditory impairment
does not differentiate between speaking and singing voices
poor posture
health problems such as asthma
cultural and ethnic speech ranges

QUESTION: What are some of the remedial activities that improve pitch-matching?

ANSWER (provided by Judy Henneberger): Remedial activities should be selected according to the vocal and/or physical needs of the children and may include:


the use of speech chant with varied vocal inflections that gradually lead into singing
use every opportunity to help the child to become aware of vocal sounds and to differentiate between the speaking and singing voices
select vocalises that focus on matching pitch and that expand the child's vocal range
use movement and stretching games to increase concentration, posture, and to teach the melodic concept of high and low
use of correct posture and breathing techniques
choose songs with appropriate range and tessitura
use of speech, singing, and movement games which energize the body and allow for individual solo-singing
make a tape recording of vocalizes and songs to be practiced by the child at home
use visual aids to introduce and reinforce various concepts of correct singing
some children do not know what "singing in unison" means, therefore one needs to establish and develop an awareness and ability of in-tune unison singing
play recordings of excellent models of the child s singing voice and of children s choirs
use lots of "tender, loving care" and positive reinforcement in working with the children who are experiencing pitch-matching problems
minimize the use of the keyboard in the choir rehearsal so that you and the children can hear the voices and better assess where improvement is needed.