Friday, December 30, 2022

Rehearsal Preparation Sheets: SSA Voicing

 


SSA voicings are really fun to create! Treble voices have possibilities of singing all three voice parts in unison, which brings real strength to a composition. I love working with SSA compositions. I also love writing Rehearsal Preparation Sheets for SSA. For example, if all voices are going to be singing the melody at some point, or might benefit in some way, I would likely have all the voices singing in unison. I truly enjoy that aspect of SSA choral writing. Unison is a powerful tool, and can be used creatively in conveying the text.

Below, there are four SSA Rehearsal Preparation Sheet examples with different styles and difficulty levels. As you know, SSA voicings are written for younger voices (middle school) and professional ensembles. So...there are unique possibilities for SSA voicings, when creating Rehearsal Preparation Sheets.

We will look at a few RPS examples, so you can get an idea of the product you are purchasing (found at the bottom of the voicing list on a Pepper page.).



You will find below a jazzy, fun holiday setting of Wanetta Hill's lyrics, entitled Swingin' and Jinglin' Given the title, you won't be surprised to know that syncopation is contained, and you might wonder as to how it might be taught. 

Quite simply, I begin the process with whatever most students know, and move toward the thing(s) they do not know. The maturity and competence of the students determine how long we stay with the simple and how quickly we proceed to the more complex

Let's take a look at this example for high school and beyond. Note: the measure references.


Example 1 - This seven-measure example is in unison. We begin with the E-flat Major Scale, then sing a triad in the scale; we also establish the V/I relationship before students sing one altered pitch! ONE altered pitch usually does not frighten singers. 

Example 2 - The introduction! Harmony is introduced by singing thirds. This interval is easily sung, and it is introduced with quarter notes. Because there are several altered pitches, quarter notes give us a bit longer to think. Then, new concepts are introduced: 8th rest, ties, skips, altered pitches, text, and staccato style....usually one-at-a-time

Example 3 - The verse begins in this example with a repeated drill, using a lowered third (G-flat) and the B-flat below Middle "C". Both are important notes in the melody. Then, the 8th rest is added (only one). Syncopation is achieved by using a tie.

Example 4 - The second phrase is taught similarly: Quarter notes, add the 8ths, add ties to create syncopation. Notice that the altered pitch (A natural) is always approached from one-half step above. I repeat the passage until the altered pitch is likely "in the ear."

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Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella is a holiday octavo for upper middle school, high school, and beyond.

Example 1 - Tempo: The 8th note gets the beat, and the tempo range is wide. Begin rather slowly, then increase the tempo gradually. Eventually, sing with the dotted quarter receiving the pulse. The altos  have I/V and step-wise movement. Soprano I/II move in 8th notes, and use step-wise motion to find the harmonies. 

Example 2 - This arrangement simulates "hurrying and running to the manger." Many arrangements of this carol are moderate, legato, and lovely, but I wanted to create urgency, and I used 16th notes to achieve that mood. There is the movement of I/V in this connecting material. It appears in the octavo a few times.

Example 3 - This example is a more solid presentation of the melodies and harmonies contained in the octavo, and concentrates on tuning. Sing two beats per measure (two dotted quarters), and see how it goes.

There are more RPS pages for "Bring a Torch." See this title on J. W. Pepper's website.

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For Unto Us a Child is Born might be a similar difficulty level as the above example, but it is universally familiar because of Messiah. Some already have it "in the ear." As you know, there is much to be taught in the music of Handel. In this arrangement, the voice parts and accompaniment have been simplified. 

Example 1 - Teaches the first phrase by concentrating on scale degrees 1, 4, and 5.

Example 2 - Singers use steps to find the "D;" then use step-wise motion and scalar patterns to learn the motive "Unto us a Son is given."

Example 3 - The harmony of "Unto us a Son is given" is the focus. Once the melody is secure, the singers should concentrate on the vertical presentation. The examples move into "and the government shall be upon his shoulder." I am assuming that singers know how to sing dotted 8ths and 16ths. If not, be prepared to address it. 

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The following art song by Robert Schumann ("Die Lotosblume") has been arranged for SSA advanced choirs. The text is German, and a pronunciation guide is provided. 

Example 1 - Because this arrangement will likely be sung by an advanced choir,  harmony is introduced rather quickly (measures 4-5). Step-wise motion is used to find the correct pitches in harmonies (measure 3).

Example 2 - Singers are in harmony through most of this example. Half note durations give singers time to hear the altered pitches and vertical alignment. 

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 When you purchase an RPS from J. W. Pepper ($5.00), the purchaser is granted permission to make multiple copies for their choir. 

At this point, you have an idea as to the type of Rehearsal Preparation Sheet that has been created for every Earlene Rentz Online Publications octavo appearing on the J. W. Pepper website. Share with a friend "in the business," if you think these resources might be helpful.

Rehearsal Preparation Sheets are effective. I have used them for years in regular choir rehearsals. I encourage you to give them a try to see if they might be effective for your ensembles. 

All the best to you and your students! 

Happy 2023!!


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