On Saturday 28th January 2012 we were treated to
the second full day workshop led by renowned singer and vocal coach Mary King,
which took place at the First Presbyterian Church in Rosemary Street, Belfast.
There were seven young students who took part in the workshop,
each performing two songs, of which Mary chose one from each and worked it in
detail with the singers.
Firstly though, there was a warm-up session, which involved
not only the participants but also the rest of us who were there to spectate –
it got all of us going on a Saturday morning! We did a physical warm up,
followed by lots of lip rolls and exercises to get our breath going – including
a few timely body shakes as we sang them, to keep tension at bay. That, coupled
with a few ‘mind gym’ type games as we sang, meant we were all vocally,
physically and mentally both warmed up and geared up for what was to be a truly
inspiring day of singing.
Mary worked with each of the seven students in a very open,
supportive and inspiring way, managing to get to the core of any area needing
developing in each of the singers, helping them to sing and perform to the best
of their ability.
In many instances, as is often the case with young singers,
the issue of line, connection of the breath and trying to do away with tension
seemed to be highlighted by most of the participants.
We were given many useful ways of trying to achieve the ‘bel
canto’ style of singing to which we all aspire – from using our hands to imagine
‘pulling’ the sound out of our mouths to help with a legato line, to sliding
our finger along a table, again to help achieve the same thing, to patting our
legs as we sing to help unlock tension – all useful tools to help get the
desired end result.
Mary also touched on the subject of vocal health and
discussed several issues in regard to this, from trying not to shout, talk
loudly or whisper, to avoiding spicy foods, fizzy drinks and too much alcohol –
all potentially very damaging to the voice.
She worked tirelessly with each student, helping them to
connect to the words of the song and to help unleash their true sound and
potential. She inspired us all, singers, audience and teachers alike. I’m sure
each and every one of us went away with many new ideas to mull over and to pass
on to our other students.
The culmination of both workshops will take place as part of
the forthcoming Belfast Music Society International Festival of Chamber Music, when
the students sing in a coffee concert entitled ‘The Art
of English Song’. It takes place at 11am on Saturday 25th February
in the Harty Room at QUB Music Building and is sure to be a wonderful event.
Debra Stuart.
