What is more important, being a good singer, or being a good performer? I asked myself that question many times this past weekend. I was asked to be a judge for the St. Isidore Idol contest and I was thrilled and also a little worried about it. As a teacher and a choir director, I evaluate people all the time. I listen with a critical ear and try to find areas for improvement. This was a little different because now I was making comparisons. The other judges and I had to chose a winner! I was so impressed by the performances from each of the individuals on that stage but they were all so different, the comparisons were hard to make. All performers were well rehearsed with their song selections and they really seemed to enjoy the music that they chose. All of them did a fine job but some were better singers while others were better performers. So, what's the difference and what does it matter?
A good singer uses good technique, breath control, thinks about their lip and tongue position, intonation, all the things we think of when we are warming up. Unfortunately many times that is where we stop thinking about these things. The warm up exercises are there to teach us how we are supposed to be singing all the time!
A good performer is someone who really connects with the audience. Someone who conveys their love of music and shares that bond with the audience, even for a short time. There is an energy that is unmistakable.
Is it enough to be just a good singer or just a good performer? I don't think it is. Music is a PERFORMANCE ART. It is about artistry but it is also about performing. We work really hard and practice our parts but after the rehearsing is all done there is something else that has to be taken into consideration and that's the audience. There needs to be eye contact and even a smile.
You cannot have one without the other. The audience is there to be entertained but they won't necessarily be entertained if they are not impressed. This was the main discussion between the other judges and myself, and how do you chose that winner. Is it about the skill or the connection? We never did come to a definitive answer on that one, other than we need both. Our choice was a difficult one to make.
So, as we prepare for the music festival, keep these things in mind. Practice hard, remember your vocal exercises but when it comes to that moment on the stage, look up from your folders and make a connection with your audience.
A good singer uses good technique, breath control, thinks about their lip and tongue position, intonation, all the things we think of when we are warming up. Unfortunately many times that is where we stop thinking about these things. The warm up exercises are there to teach us how we are supposed to be singing all the time!
A good performer is someone who really connects with the audience. Someone who conveys their love of music and shares that bond with the audience, even for a short time. There is an energy that is unmistakable.
Is it enough to be just a good singer or just a good performer? I don't think it is. Music is a PERFORMANCE ART. It is about artistry but it is also about performing. We work really hard and practice our parts but after the rehearsing is all done there is something else that has to be taken into consideration and that's the audience. There needs to be eye contact and even a smile.
You cannot have one without the other. The audience is there to be entertained but they won't necessarily be entertained if they are not impressed. This was the main discussion between the other judges and myself, and how do you chose that winner. Is it about the skill or the connection? We never did come to a definitive answer on that one, other than we need both. Our choice was a difficult one to make.
So, as we prepare for the music festival, keep these things in mind. Practice hard, remember your vocal exercises but when it comes to that moment on the stage, look up from your folders and make a connection with your audience.