The Effects of Three Physical and Vocal Warm-up Procedures on Acoustic and Perceptual Measures of Choral Sound: Study Replication With Younger Populations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to replicate a previous investigation to assess with two intact children's choirs and a high school choir the potential effects of three choral warm-up procedures (vocal-only, physical-only, physical/vocal combination) on acoustic and perceptual measures of choral sound. The researchers tested three videotaped, 5-minute, choral warm-up procedures on two children's and one high school choir. After participating in a warm-up procedure, each choir was recorded singing a folk song for long-term average spectra and pitch analysis. Singer participants responded to a questionnaire about preferences after each warm-up procedure. Warm-up procedures and recording sessions occurred during each choir's regular rehearsal time and in each choir's regular rehearsal space during three consecutive rehearsals. Long-term average spectra results demonstrated more resonant singing after the physical/vocal warm-up for two of the three choirs. Pitch analysis results indicated that two of the three choirs sang "in-tune" after participating in the physical/vocal warm-up and two choirs sang "in-tune" after participating in the physical-only warm-up. Singer questionnaire responses showed a preference for the physical/vocal combination warm-up, and singer ranking of the three procedures indicated the physical/vocal warm-up as the most favored for readiness to sing. This study replication indicates similar conclusions as the original investigation with university choruses: a combination choral warm-up that includes both physical and vocal aspects is preferred by singers of all ages, enables more resonant singing, and more in-tune singing. Findings from these investigations provide choral educators with compelling information concerning efficient and effective choral warm-up procedures.