The King's Singers at 2008 TMEA Convention

Wednesday, February 13, 2008
8:00 p.m.
Concert: The King’s Singers

Thursday, Feb 14, 2008
12:30-1:00 p.m.

Vocal Techniques of the King’s Singers
Clinicians: David Hurley, Robin Tyson, Paul Phoenix, Philip Lawson. Christopher Gabbitas

The King’s Singers , celebrating a long tradition in their 40th anniversary year, are appearing during this current U.S. tour without bass Stephen Connolly, whose family had a recent bereavement. This 6 member, a cappella men’s group, sings many arrangements created specifically for their unique ensemble of 2 countertenors, tenor, 2 baritones and bass. The marvelous concert on Wednesday, February 13, was only the 2nd performance of a program decided upon by the group just before embarking on the tour, when it was apparent that their bass would not be able to join them.

In the Thursday clinic, the group members discussed the processes of deciding on and adjusting to a new program of music in their repertoire that would work without the usual bass voice of Stephen Connolly. Since their sound is built from the bass pitch up, this required adjustments for everyone. They approached this task together, with a sense of openness and creativity, and found this adversity to be a true bonding experience. This not only required changes in planned repertoire for the tour to works, but rearrangements of works which could be adjusted for the five remaining vocalists, and, also, in parts sung--Christopher usually assumed the bass role, but even countertenor Robin took on the low role in one arrangement! Wow! Such flexibility! Each vocalist commented on making large tonal adjustments to create good blend with the new demands on the ensemble.

The King’s Singers formula for success:
They describe their job as 80% listening and 20% singing.
• On unified vowel sounds: “exhale the air”—without pushing
• On vibrato: in block harmonies vibrato is used as a color, not as a given. We use a variety of vibrato styles.

Q: How to teach someone how NOT to use vibrato when singing?
A: Insist they not imitate others, but rather find their own voice.. In classical singing, vibrato is a result of a well-trained classical voice. Mature sound for young students is a bad idea. Let them find their own voices…

The King’s Singers report that they spend a lot of effort on developing mental flexibility, and actively work on converging the right left hemispheres of the brain, advocating the use of “Brain Gym” techniques.

Kudos to this ensemble for their successful efforts to perform a concert of the highest quality under difficult circumstances! Thanks also for being such great role models for musicians of all ages and levels.

Sincerely,
Catherine