Topic: This session explores the process of individual and group voice placement to improve the tone quality of choirs while allowing for singers to perform with their most natural and healthy vocal technique. We will explore the individual voice part assignment process, outline the considerations for voice placement within a choral section, and experiment with a variety of choral formations. Session Description: Do you wonder why some voices “stick out” in your choir? Do some chords just not seem to tune even though your singers have learned their music? Perhaps all your singers need is a new seating chart! Group voice placement techniques can achieve a variety of goals including balance, timbre, and musicianship. In this presentation, we will explore various placement theories and discuss their benefits to help your singers to improve their sound efficiently. We will explore the history of voice placement, including sharing research garnered from the work of choral luminaries such as Weston Noble and Charlene Archibeque. We will also provide our own voice placement processes developed from our own experiences working with choirs at all levels, including youth choirs, secondary school choirs, college ensembles, and adult church and community groups. Attendees will have opportunities to take part in the voice placement process as well, including 1) individual voice part assignment, 2) placement within a section, 3) placement within various large-scale choral formations. Attendees will hear and analyze the acoustic shifts in the moment as various positions are explored. Attendees will walk away with a handout providing the step-by-step process to create choral seating charts that amplify acoustic qualities to enhance their choirs’ ideal sound. The interactive session will reinforce the information and research through experiential learning. Learning Outcomes:
Learn the benefits of using a strategic voice placement process for the choral ensemble
Listen to the part assignment process for a variety of individual voices
Experience the voice placement process within a choral section and apply the various ingredients of “choral blend”
Experiment with a variety of choral formations and hear the acoustic elements that distinguish each formation
Setting the Tone: Voice Placement for Choirs
Matthew Myers
Washington State University
Dr. Matthew Myers serves as associate director of choral activities at Washington State University, where he conducts the University Singers and Treble Choir and teaches choral methods and vocal pedagogy. He earned his DMA in choral conducting at Louisiana State University, MM in choral conducting from Northern Arizona University, and BA in vocal performance/music education from Luther College. Prior to his time at WSU, he taught choir at The American International School of Muscat in Oman, Boylan Catholic High School in Rockford, Illinois, and the University of Alabama. He conducts the Palouse Choral Society and co-hosts the Choir Fam Podcast.
Dean Luethi
Washington State University
Dr. Dean Luethi serves as the Director of Choral Activities, Professor, and former Director of the School of Music at Washington State University. Dr. Luethi received degrees from UW–Green Bay, University of South Florida, and University of Illinois–Urbana/Champaign. Known for his work as a choral pedagogue, Dean has presented research, workshops, or conducted choirs at festivals, conferences, and competitions in the US, India, China, Cuba, Canada, Austria, Poland, and Germany. He is published in the Choral Journal and Music Educators Journal and has two books published through GIA Publications. He is also cohost of the Choir Fam Podcast.
