Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Tonal Tuesday - Thinking Outside the Music - ThePianoGuys

Listen to this amazing video and see if you can count how many ways these amazing musicians have created new ways of creating sounds.


How many times do we look at a piece of music and how we could make it "different"?  Or do we just sing it "straight" each and every time.  I think there are some simple ways to add some spice to a piece without in any way spoiling the intention of the composer or arranger. Let's see what they are doing in the video above.

1. Change positions.  Exactly.  Stand in different places .  Stand so that you are NOT with anyone singing the same part as you.  Stand in a circle.  Play a type of musical chairs through your practice.

2. See the song differently.  Obviously, they are singing a very traditional song and using non-traditional accompaniment.  This big change has not spoiled the sound but added to it.  Even the picture taking is very creative.  See how you can change up a tried and true piece with different approaches.  For instance, we are singing O Holy Night quite quickly and not repeating the "chorus" or harmony part.  The result is that those who haven't liked that piece were much happier with the result.  Cool.

3. Collaborate.  Talk about what you want to do amongst yourselves.  At practice on Sunday, our singers had some really good suggestions about the order of singing unison sections and dynamic variations.  When you have others around you with experience and interest, tap into their ideas.

4. Be fearless.  Who cares what others may think?  What is the worst that can happen?  Really, the worst thing is that you don't end up liking that piece or style or manner of presentation.  The great news is that it can be changed.  You will never know if you don't try.

Now listen to the ThePianoGuys again and enjoy!

2 comments:

Holly M said...

The video is not visible -- I think you have to re embed it
Holly

Embro Thistle Singers said...

I have re-posted. Hope it works. I could see the video when I tried it. Hmm.