Arrangement Reflections: Stars In My Eyes
I did this SAB arrangement for Mixtape Chorus in March 2023. We've done quite a few songs by this band (Ball Park Music). What can we say? They write great songs.
My reading of this song: it's about the loss of innocence.
The singers muses:
I'm starting to wonder was it all a lie?
Was there ever a time I had stars in my eyes?
Wrap me in blankets, plan a surprise
Tell me that I've still got stars in my eyes
What do singers want when they come to choir rehearsal?
I’m very interested in how to create positive choir rehearsal experiences for singers. One of the best things I’ve done recently is join another choir as a singer.
Being immersed in the singer’s experience has led to a number of “aha” moments. “I like it when we do THIS in rehearsal.” “I don’t like it when we do THAT in rehearsal.” “I wish we did a bit more of X.” “I was really surprised when we did Y.”
Why repetition is good in a choir rehearsal
Repetition in your choir rehearsal is good - here’s why:
The singers get another chance to get used to the conducting gesture - and the conductor gets a chance to improve the conducting gesture
Singers get a chance to fix their own mistakes - often one more run is enough!
The conductor gets to listen another time, and to learn what the recurring issues are
Lay down another myelin sheath in the brain - the singers get to consolidate what they just learned
During the repetition the conductor gets more time to frame the next instruction/think of what to say
Singers get to sing more!
Minimize Verbal Instruction
A rehearsal technique that has popped up at several conducting workshops is the no-talking rehearsal. The idea is to minimize the amount of talking that the conductor does and communicate non-verbally as much as possible.
Here's a fantastic example in a Harmony University video featuring Don Campbell. I've watched this video at least a dozen times. It's kind of amazing how he can drive the rehearsal through conducting gesture alone. Occasionally I try to emulate this rehearsal technique, although I tend to use more singing demonstrations.
Giving the singers visual information
I'm a fan of supplying my choir singers with visual information when possible.
This can come in a number of forms - sol fa hand signs, clear conducting gesture, visual reminders of singing techniques, modelling good alignment, sheet music, even just the lyrics written on a whiteboard...
When I'm at a choir rehearsal I like when the director gives me a visual component to help me learn and sing the music.
Another benefit from the point of view of the director is that you have to answer fewer questions - because the visual info answers it for you. If a singer does ask a question, you can often answer non-verbally by pointing to the sheet music/whiteboard.
My Process for Teaching A Round
(also applicable for teaching barbershop tags, song segments or other vocal exercizes)
Recently I started working with a new student who wanted tips on running small vocal groups. I had just recorded a segment of a Strange Weather Choir rehearsal in which I taught a round, and decided to share this and explain my teaching process. So, here ‘tis. Adapt to your group as necessary.
Arrangement reflections: Island In The Sun by Weezer
A great indie-pop bop from 2001. This one was on my Mixtape Chorus to-do list since I started back in 2018. (I have a Spotify playlist called "Mixtape Someday Songs" that will eventually all get arranged)
No one can resist the catchy 'hip hip' vocal hook.
I really enjoy playing synth drums for this one (and blistering synth guitar solo).
The arrangement is pretty simple all round. In the chorus, the Sops and the Boms (baritone part) sing the melody an octave apart, and the altos sing a harmony in the middle (like the filling in a sandwich).
The bridge has some chunky 3-part homophonic chords, and I usually advise the singers to sing smooth wall-to-wall chords here.
Arrangement reflections: Mingulay Boat Song
A great sea ballad/sea shanty with a rolling 9/8 rhythm. This song was introduced to me by Ewan Lawrie from the Canberra Shanty Club. The version he sent me is the one by The Longest Johns. This song is often sung at the Canberra Shanty Club to close out the night.
I did an arrangement for Strange Weather Choir (based on the Longest Johns version), and taught it at a workshop at Smith's Alternative in Canberra. Video here.
Arrangement reflections: And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda by Eric Bogle
I've loved this song for a very long time. It was one of the first songs I remember having a strong emotional effect on me when I was a child - particularly the lines:
"And when our ship pulled in to Circular Quay
And I looked at the place where me legs used to be
I thanked Christ there was nobody waiting for me
To grieve and to mourn, and to pity"
Arrangement reflections: On My Way by Alex Lahey
I LOVE this song. Another banger by Alex Lahey - an artist we’ve covered a number of times at Mixtape Chorus. The song is high octane, high energy, full of positivity. A great driving tune.
Arrangement reflections: Kitchen By Ruby Fields
One of the best uses of the vi chord in any song I've heard.