Let's stop singing!

That's right, stop singing! "But what shall we do on meeting nights?" you ask. Rehearse as usual, of course. The main change would be to replace singing with PERFORMING. You probably want to know what the difference is. Well, lucky you, I'm going to tell you.

Singing is a one-dimensional activity. It only involves the vocal apparatus. Performing involves the vocal apparatus plus the body, the face, the energy that you put into singing, everything. You probably think that you are already doing these things when you sing. Trust me. You aren't. Try singing a couple of the repertoire songs while looking in a mirror. (Go into the bathroom and close the door if you are afraid of someone hearing you.) Most of the members of our chorus, and even of the Society, are wooden Indians when they sing. Some of this is from being a little (or even a lot) self-conscious. But each of us has a little ham in us (some more than others) or we would not have joined an organization that sings in front of friends and strangers.

Okay, how do we transition from being singers to being performers? In a word, it is ATTITUDE! You approach each opportunity to perform with pride and the attitude that the audience is in for a treat. Then, all the time you are on stage, you sell, sell, sell. You involve your entire body in what you are doing. Move your eyebrows, nod your head now and then, constantly change your facial expressions, move your body. If this sounds like a lot to do while you're singing, just look at somebody who is talking. They are doing all of these things and so do you when you talk. So why do you stop doing them when you sing? You don't need to be a professional to be a performer. You just have to take pride in what you are doing. If you approach a performance with an apologetic attitude, you shouldn't go on stage. There is no reason to feel self-conscious about performing. Remember, each person in the audience is there because they cannot or will not do what you can. All the more reason to go on stage and show what you can do. Now what you have to do is put yourself into a performing attitude every time we get on the risers. If you don't, you will never do it in public. You will perform the way you practice, guaranteed. If you become a "performer every time you get on the risers, you will be a performer" every time that you go on stage.

Being a performer is a full-time effort. You are constantly listening to what is happening around you and what you are doing. All the while getting your whole self involved. And you know what? It is FUN! You will be amazed at how much you will enjoy a performance that you performed much more than the one where you just sang. And so will the audience. Your wife will wonder what has happened. She'll say that you and the chorus are singing so much better. (She won't even know to use the right adjective.)

Tell you what: Try it for three months. For the next three months constantly (and consciously) force yourself to be a performer at rehearsals and singouts. If the results are not as I said, you can go back to being a wooden Indian singer, but you have to give being a performer an honest effort. After the trial period is over let me know which mode of behavior you think is best.