Identity crisis

[jadesfire]

So, for the Oxford Libraries Carol Choir, I will be singing mostly Alto, apart from the song where I'm singing second soprano.

For Oxford Singers, I will be singing mostly Part One, which is sort of Soprano, and in my small group I will actually be singing soprano.

And when we sing carols (different from our concert songs), I will almost certainly sing descants.

I'm not sure I have enough brain cells for this...

Comments

[crystalshard.livejournal.com]

This is because you have a great range and are very flexible.

And you have more than enough brain cells for this, because I say you do ;)

[miss-zedem.livejournal.com]

As an alto, I'm offended - I used to get really pissy when the conductor decided to 'help' us by sticking sopranos in our section - but as a friend I know you're doing this because you're actually capable of that range of vocals *smishes you* Don't think about it, that's the key. Soon as you start thinking about it you won't be able to do it...

[jadesfire2808.livejournal.com]

Heh, yes, normally I'd agree. On the other hand, they hadn't actually managed to sing a note (not even the 'alto only' bits) until I joined them, so I figure at least I was helping! And I'm a mezzo with a decent lower range - although I was struggling horribly until a friend who actually knew the notes arrived. We've agreed that she'll provide the notes and I'll provide the volume ;) It's all good, if challenging.

Because what I didn't mention? we're singing the Hallelujah chorus...

[jadesfire2808.livejournal.com]

Yeah, flexible is a good word for it. Confused is another one...

;)

[miss-zedem.livejournal.com]

*flails* Oh, I'm so jealous! The alto part to that is lovely as well - I'm often to be found singing it in shops at Christmas. And yes, I do still know it - it's one of those things that takes so long to hammer in that once you know it it's with you forever *g*

[jadesfire2808.livejournal.com]

Okay, in that case you need to record it and send it to me, because some of those rhythms are messing with my head...

[unfeathered]

Heh, I know what that's like. There were a couple of songs in Millie where I was singing the lower or middle female line because I'm good at holding a harmony line, but then switched to top sop for the ending because I was the only one who could happily get a top A! *g*

[azure-chaos.livejournal.com]

Well, I'm confused so god knows how you must be feeling lol.

[thalia]

You too? That's one song where I'm utterly incapable of singing the soprano line, but I can do the whole alto part from memory. Handel liked altos. [g]

[thalia]

I was just singing the Hallelujah Chorus in the grocery store--yes, really--and I remembered one thing that helped me a lot: Get A firmly stuck in your head. That's the note the alto part always comes back to.

[fish-echo.livejournal.com]

I'm getting overwhelmed just reading it :)

[miss-zedem.livejournal.com]

Hee. It'll be fine once you've got it. Did your choir master/mistress make you all just go through and learn the rhythm yet? You need to do that at some point, then worry about the notes. And yes, like darthalia said, find that A and cling to it :)

[miss-zedem.livejournal.com]

Yup. Every Christmas without fail I'm there, browsing for gifts, and that comes on the shop sound system and I start singing along. There's a reason my other half usually sends me shopping on my own... ;) Good advice about the A, btw - I'd forgotten that.

[jadesfire2808.livejournal.com]

We really only had a basic sing through and at that point, I was still singing with the sopranos. It was when the only sound from the altos was silence that I realised they might need some help...

I won't be at another rehearsal for a fortnight, so plenty of time to get to grips with it!

[patch-tank.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you're up to it Jades! Christmas carols have a way of confusing the bejeezus out of me with all the different arrangements and harmonies that are about nowadays ... I'm meant to be doing some solo stuff as well as some choral performances this year, and my head is already spinning!