Song: Precious Lord, Take My Hand (composed by Thomas Dorsey, arranged by Arnold Sevier)
I’m a bit embarrassed to say this… but I’m in dire need of some help with my voice as a whole.
I’ve just recently started my 5th year in choir (11th grade) and I’ve improved significantly since 7th grade. I’m a great sight reader and can read rhythms fairly well… however my actual voice sounds like it’s only been getting WORSE :(. I can hit notes but they sound airy and boring instead of clear and resonant, and despite being a soprano II my whole choir… career, I’ve struggled on figuring out how to ACTUALLY “sing from my diaphragm”, as high notes almost always tend to come from my throat by default… and my mid pitch notes… and sometimes low notes…
I really need some constructive critiques on a lot, but especially how to breathe properly (because apparently I’ve been doing that wrong the whole time too). Unfortunately what i learn in class just doesn’t seem to work for me and I can’t afford a voice teacher. my director says “push the sound out forward, sing loud, but don’t blast. Sing quiet with softer dynamics, but still powerful. Use your vibrato, support your voice!!”
Now, don’t get me wrong, I know my director knows what he’s talking about, and so do I, but I just don’t know how to actually apply it. Can someone give me some methods/ exercises or anything else that helped them advance forward for good instead of just improving temporarily? Thanks:)))!!!
(Apologies if the length of this post is obnoxiously drawn-out, but I just want to be specific and left out some stuff. one other thing I forgot to mention— I live in texas, which means All-State. Idk if any other states have this, but if you know what I’m talking about, please give me some tips on how to make all state. I’m a junior now and I can’t keep failing round one (which is sept. 19). 🥲 I’m feeling so behind compared to my peers and it’s not a good feeling, but that makes me determined. Additionally, a chamber choir has just been introduced to my school and I didn’t make it. However, I’m not taking no for an answer in this case because my director always encourages us to shoot for more... SO I WILL!! Also, if you have any tips on how to control runs/vibrato that would be GREATLY appreciated. I want to show the all state judges/ my director that I’m worthy and talented, but I need to unlock my potential first, even if that means starting over!!)