Vocal Health and Beyond

It has become urgent to address the issue of poor vocal health. In the last two auditions, 10 boys showed up with hoarse voices. When I volunteered in a 4^th grade classroom, two girls sounded like their voices were trashed. Three boys in Concert Group of Ragazzi are having issues with hoarseness. People no longer even hear when voices are damaged because this is so common.

The following is from a slide presentation about vocal health and young singers.

Slide 1	Here is a picture of a healthy larynx with cartilage, muscle and mucous membrane. The vocal folds must vibrate 440 times per second to produce the pitch "a" above middle c. To produce a pitch an octave higher, they will vibrate 880 times per second.  Every breath we take passes by the vocal cords as air is inhaled into the lungs.
Slide 2	When the voice is stressed, it is covered with swollen tissue and blood vessels. There are no pain receptors in the larynx, so the only indication of a problem is that the voice will sound hoarse. If the voice isn't rested, callouses can develop on the cords which can be a permanent or serious problem.
Slide 3	Vocal cords can be damaged by acid reflux, allergies, the drying effects of antihistamines, yelling or talking loudly and dehydration
Slide 4	*There was a time when children were told not to yell, but now there is a high tolerance for loud talking. I hear children yelling at their parents in ways that would have shocked my parents.    *When music is played loudly and people try to talk over it, this stresses the voice. Often if you come home from a night at a club, you will notice some laryngitis the next day. *Sports coaches demand yelling to show support for the team. People are told to yell louder and louder and shamed if they refrain from this.
Slide 5	The first task is to recognize that damage has occurred by hearing hoarseness as something abnormal. Figure out the cause. Be willing to get the help needed.
Slide 6	Solo singing is an advanced form of vocal athleticism.
Slide 7
Slide 8	This lists how soloists are chosen by audition and what qualities directors look for.
Slide 9
Slide 10
Slide 11
Slide 12

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Joyce Keil

Artistic Director

Ragazzi Boys Chorus