Simply the way that you walk into a performance situation, on to a stage, or up on to the risers gives the audience their clue as to what your performance will be like. Are you standing straight? Lined up properly? Know how to get on and off the risers? Know exactly what is going on, and be able to participate without drawing attention to yourself? Follow your director? All of these items, plus others, tell your audience the type of organization you have developed. Your music will follow suit. If you are sloppy, the music will sound sloppy. If you are precise, the music will be precise. Your entire learning situation is shown by every member of your group without ever opening your mouths.

How are you dressed? It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive, but it should be neat and UNIFORM. Jackets buttoned or unbuttoned? Make sure you all agree. Matching ties? Tied the same way? Matching shirts? Shoes the right color and the same style as everyone else? (No brown shoes with a tux!!!) Dark socks---------NOT WHITE! Everything visual makes a difference. In an audience, the eye is drawn to something different--something that stands out and shouldn't.

The use of music or folders also effects appearance. Folders should be supported in one hand (usually the left) with the other hand taking care of the page turns, balance, etc. Both hands should remain on the folder or music. All should be prepared to raise and lower the folders at a signal from the director. (Folders are usually carried in the left hand, binders down.) Many Big Sings have all music memorized, then what do you do with your hands? They should be casually down at your sides, not stiff, ram-rod straight. NO OTHER WAY works! Get them out of your pockets, out from behind you, and certainly not crossed in front in the famous "fig leaf" position. Know what you are going to do -- and practice it before a performance. Keep your head up and follow your director no matter if you are with or without a folder. Be prepared to show that you are an artist--which you are!

The only time I tell my guys to be different is if they have to use a cane, a chair, or a stool. I prefer using a stool so that the singers' height is closer to the men standing near him. This should not cause embarrassment. Placement should also be as close to their section as possible. If the section is too far away, perhaps another person from that section could stand next to the one on the stool so they can vocally support each other. It is difficult to sing a part alone.

Look good to sound good! People can't wait to hear a group they visually appreciated and acknowledged before a note was sung.

DWCrouch
June, 2002