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Another fantastic rehearsal last night for RSVP!  We may have been small in numbers, but we sure do know how to sound big!

We started as we always do with Craig leading us in stretching to get our bodies limbered up for our vocal workout.  When you come out of 2 hours of singing, this becomes essential in order to remain relaxed, maintain good posture, and to be able to perform physically as well as musically.

Following last weeks resonator placement by Shawn and Craig, we adjusted a little for those who were not there last week and to fill spaces for those who were not there this week.  It’s always good to remain adaptable to changing circumstances since this may actually happen for various reasons just prior to a performance.  Being comfortable with your part and those voices around you will also build strength throughout the chorus.  The more varied the voices you hear, helps to focus you on learning and knowing your part with confidence.

In the absence of Shawn, Craig led the entire session and we focused on presentation.  Technique, musicality, and interpretation only go so far in telling the story of the song we are singing.  Everything needs to match; vocally, body language, and physical movement.  To be fully engaged, we must use all these as well as facial expressions to convey the message.  In psychology, a flat affect (monotone, dull expression, lack of reaction) can be an indicator of psychosis. We don’t want people to think that now, do we?

Having spent so much time on the left, logical side, we shifted over to the right, creative side.  As pointed out, once we shift from left to right, we tend to lose our words or technique because we are consciously focused on our expression. As you learn your music, get comfortable with getting off paper, and then you’ll naturally be able to find the balance to both sing accurately and express proficiently because you are using both sides.  It takes time, so don’t get frustrated.

Time was spent mainly on our sacred set of “When I Lift Up My Head”, “How Great Thou Art”, and “Precious Lord”.  We took about 10 minutes in sectionals to work on some difficult spots in HGTA and honed things together to sharpen our sound and delivery of the rest. Work was also done on “Wonderful World” and “King Of The Road”.

One of our new Members, Austin Winder, was called down to direct us in “Keep The Whole World Singing”.  You did a tremendous job, Austin! Knowing that today’s your birthday, I’m glad you were able to receive this gift and the honor of closing out our time together.

As mentioned, we were a bit light in the riser ranks.  There are many reasons why and each of us can only do so much at any given time.  Let me assure you, each of you are a valued and integral part of our Chapter.  Not only your voice, but your presence and friendship bolster everyone’s enthusiasm.  Trust me when I say, the door’s always open, the risers never full, and the companionship never ends.  Come when you can, visit often, and invite a friend. We miss you.

All that being said, I will not be with you again until our gigs on the 24th and 26th.  I will be traveling to Northern Maine for my mother’s funeral and to spend some much need time with my family.  

Blessings to you all, my Barbershop Brothers, until we meet again. 🎶💈🎵