When planning, we made a list of people who would like a solo in the piece. This gives everyone a chance to contribute individually and develop themselves. We began listening and absorbing the songs where we would then use our own time to thoroughly learn the lyrics and melody.
In rehearsals, we started practising harmonies and figured about between is which harmony we would be more comfortable in or our preferred harmony (higher/lower/melody). We changed the song Rockabye to Ain't No Mountain High, a song we are more familiar with that fits better with the others, and also is more comfortable in range all round.
The lyrics to the songs could have been learned quicker by all performers, so we could all put in the right energy and feel confident performing for an effective and balanced ensemble. In a run through, people that are in the back row were not as energetic and focus as the rest of the lines, as they were behind and are not as visible. However it does show and can make the whole performance lack in enthusiasm.
In another rehearsal, we went in groups that had difficulty with the same song, where we practised over and over (my group did Keepin Your Head Up, as we didn't know the verses). This was really helpful as working together gives you and others more support and motivation to develop yourself, as opposed to you trying on your own
I had a solo in Tears Dry On Their Own, along with Emily and Holly. As I knew the song very well, I found it easy and was confident learning it. As Holly's lines followed straight after, we stood together in the front line supporting each other, and we went over our lines with Emily who wasn't as confident with the song. I also contributed by guiding the ensemble in practising the way certain lines in this song are said, as t is very distinct. Ensuring I know my part very well shows my commitment and dedication to the group, as every aspect of the performance is equally important and contributes something.
Later on in rehearsals we had to change the key in which we sing the ending lines of Tears Dry On Their Own, as it is too low and we cannot project our voices enough to the audience. We had to practise with how we can transition to the higher key in an effective way. I gave an idea of a way we should sing it and we all agreed, so we chose the same transition, making the whole song fit. The consistence in our slightly altered melody I feel gives a more solid performance
In keeping your head up, I found this most challenging due to it's high pitches through the chorus. However a lot of the time I find I am just holding back, and need to challenge myself more and believe in my potential skills. I also felt very encouraged by everyone else, and as this song is a very bubbly and lively and fun song, it's causes you to let loose more and just sing rather than being too controlled.
The ending is acapella which requires us to stay in time with each other as we cannot rely on the piano. We had troubles with going too fast, but learned to drag it out more as we concentrated harder.
With help from Kat, we improvised movements while singing the songs and just went with the flow, experimenting with gestures and foot taps etc., and then deciding on what movements we should use for each song. For example in human, we are simply steadily rocking, which creates an impact and eases you into the performance, that grows to a climax in 'keeping your head up', where we will bounce around the space clapping our hands and being direct to the audience to engage them and encourage them to join in.
Evaluation
The performance went very well. In the short space of time we had to rehearse, it shows our capability in adapting and picking things up quickly. It also demonstrates our professional attitude despite our short rehearsals. It all pulled together in our final rehearsals, giving all our energy and efforts. The performance was full of enthusiasm. I ensured I gave 100% even when I wasn't completely confident in certain areas, I didn't let that show on my face or body language.
Liv had a small blip where she stumbled and got nervous on her lines. I recognized how Izzy next to her supported her in the singing when she needed it, which is important to hold the structure of the ensemble together. We maintained high energy throughout to it's full extent in the last song. I find the louder you sing for yourself, it encourages others and spreads through the group to liven up. Our ending acapella section was effective, as we listened to each other to sustain the rhythm.
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