BVA ARCHIVE: Choice for Voice 2008; 10, 11 and 12 July
Overview | Day 1 Report | Day 2 Report | Day 3 Report
Day 3 Report
by Joanne Zorian-Lynn
With something for every discipline this packed day, focussing predominately on voice for speech, began with a lecture from Ron Scherer, Professor of Communication Disorders, Bowling Green State University, USA (below left). His impressive research, including the construction of a Plexiglas model, analysed air pressure and air flow through convergent-shaped, uniform-shaped and divergent-shaped vocal folds.
Directly after coffee a variety of workshops were on offer. Ron Morris, Speech Therapist, Audiologist and Counter Tenor with a Brisbane choir guided us through visual observation to identify compensatory articulation deficiency. His presentation, delivered with humour and personality, called on our participation in valuable tongue-tip exercises.
In an introduction to Brain Gym with singing coach Teresa Goble, we practised physical exercises to stimulate cross-brain activity. The objective is to provide an alternative method to access whole brain learning, increase creativity and relieve stress. She suggested that these physical exercises would open up energy channels and assist in opening the lower back and releasing breath. This seminar proved to be quite controversial when delegates asked for scientific evidence and base-line measures, which were not provided, rather than anecdotal evidence. A debate, which I feel will continue.
Lunch break gave us the opportunity for more lively networking and exchange of thoughts and experiences. An added energy to the environment was introduced as Guildhall students and audience gathered in the foyer for the matinee of their graduation show. However, Choice for Voice had plenty of activities for the afternoon and we were ‘spoilt for choice’ in selecting the next sessions to attend.
Julia Moody, from the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts, invited us on a tour of accents. Noting that her students are influenced by television and unknowingly imitating American accents, she has found that by playing with accents and dialects, students can have fun whilst comfortably exploring how sound is made and speech is varied. We enjoyed showing off our newly acquired Aussie accents!
Laryngologist Julian McGlashan from Nottingham University asked, ‘Can vocal effects such as Distortion, Grunting and Growling be produced without damaging the vocal folds?’ These are sounds, unconnected to melody or text, which characterise a singer’s style or convey an emotion. Close examination showed where and how in the vocal tract the support and assistance to such sound production can be made safely.
The need for more vocal coaching in student teacher training was clearly identified by the paper delivered by Pauline Sloane. Her research showed a direct correlation between anxiety and voice problems and occupational efficiency.
Speech language pathologist Marina Gilman gave us hands-on instruction in floating the Hyoid and, thus, freeing the voice.
To round off the day Artistry in Action was led by vocal coach Victoria Newlyn accompanied by four students. We observed the impact of a speech vocal warm up and exercises connected to text and differing thought processes upon the performance.
I would loved to have attended more seminars and papers however the feedback at break-times from those I missed was all extremely positive.
The genuine appreciation for the hard work of the all those who put this course together cannot be underestimated. The event was run like a well-oiled machine and not only were there great learnings but friendships re-kindled and new ones made.
Top left: Ron Scherer, pleanary speaker. Middle right: Julian McGlashan
Above left: Tessa Goble demonstrates ‘Brain Gym’. Above right: Julia Moody
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