Music Ministry Director:  Kathryn Edmonston  Music Minister 481-5702, ext. 116

The Voice Center Eastern Virginia Medical School (757) 446-5934 Guidelines for Singers: Do's, Don'ts and Tips (Adapted from University of Pittsburgh Voice Center)
Do Not smoke tobacco or marijuana use drugs drink alcohol or coffee the day before or the day of a performance become a cheerleader shout and scream at sporting events try to be heard in noisy places, i.e., bars, sports arenas, large family gatherings, airplanes, buses, etc. vocalize a sneeze phonate while yawning stay up late the night before a performance sing outdoors cough excessively clear your throat continually sing if it hurts to swallow try to talk over a cold or laryngitis sing higher or lower than is comfortable over sing (you should never be hoarse after singing) whisper loudly, or for very long raise the chest or shoulders when inhaling lift weights scream or cry talk on a lower or higher pitch than is comfortable for you try to change your natural speaking voice (voice image e.g., sexy, macho) talk a lot on the day of a performance	Do speak at your own pitch level support your speaking voice just as when singing get plenty of rest laugh a lot, but with good support avoid stress avoid places with foul air use belting cautiously eat well avoid dairy products prior to a performance treat your body like a valuable instrument humidify your bedroom during winter months drink lots of water - 8 glasses a day
Other tips from the Choir Director Always bring a pencil Always listen to instructions and notate them on your page of music Avoid heavy perfumes and colognes - because of all the deep breathing, others may not appreciate the fragrance, and it can cause breathing difficulties for those with allergies Always listen when the director answers a question - you might have the same question Watch the director.  Listen while the director works with other sections.