why we sang with straws in our mouths on Wednesday...and other important information

Amber was helpful enough to pass along this info about the benefits of warming up with the help of straws:

• Recent voice science research has demonstrated the usefulness of straws for encouraging optimal breath flow and ease of phonation – and they can be terrific for warming up quietly backstage. Try doing some glides, scales and arpeggios or phrases of your song. See “Five Favorite Vocal Warmups” from the National Center for Voice and Speech at http://www.ncvs.org/e-learning/warmup.htmland this article on the use of straws http://www.ncvs.org/e-learning/nats-pdfs/2002_05_06.PDF

Other notes about our upcoming Christmas Eve service:

• Wednesday rehearsal: women, be prepared to possibly stay an extra 15 minutes after rehearsal to rehearse "I sing a Maiden".
• Use the online practice site! Especially for "O Holy Night" and "I Sing of a Maiden". Also, check the blog for the YouTube videos...there are quite a few up there now.
• The schedule for Christmas Eve: arrive at 6:45 to run all songs. After a run through and any last minute tune ups, head down stairs to prepare for procession while people arrive. Attire: TBD...we'll find out at Wednesday rehearsal.