Center For Church Music, Songs & Hymns

Music & Worship

Singing: A Call to Excellence Part 8

Stretching the Voice"Legato Singing"

Hymns for practice: Praise My Soul the King of Heaven
O Worship the King
Now Thank We All Our God

Singing a hymn is a tremendous way to increase your vocal technique. But you must make "technique" an important part of your singing.

(Actually, this should be an important goal for the congregation as well. Martin Luther did not allow the congregation to sing any hymns--the choir did all the singing--for the first two years in the church. The entire congregation also had practices during the week, p. 271, Here I stand, Banton. and during the catechetical hour, the family was to sing.)

By technique we mean the following:

• Correct breathing (No shoulders)
• Correct jaw and mouth position
• Smoothly connect the words by singing hymns on the various vowels: ee-ay-ah-oh-ooo
• When you sing the words in the hymns, emphasize long vowels and then sing short consonants
• Warm up each day and then sing at least 15-30 minutes.

Be sure to sing with your family around the Thanksgiving table. Happy Singing!