The setting in which vocals are performed in the band is not a typical "choir" setting. Each singer is on a separate microphone, so knowing good microphone technique is just as important as good vocal technique. Each vocalist must be reasonably strong and without too much embellishment in one's vocal quality since all the voices still need to blend.
Here is a checklist of skills that are important for vocals to be performed in this band:
- quickly learn a vocal line
- the ability read written music
- find and remember a harmony line
- the ability to find the harmony lines in written music
- find the right intonation and pronunciation for a given phrase in the music
- listen to the surrounding vocal and instrumental parts and find a way to fit your voice into it
Harmony is stressed in this band and is very important in our custom arrangements. If you have never sung harmony, then we will be working through them with considerable detail for which you are expected to try. The ability to sing harmonies comes with lots of practice; you must be very open and willing to do them.
Additionally, because all members of the band monitor with in-ear monitors (headphones that fit inside your ears) including vocalists, the way we listen to ourselves and the band is very different from the traditional monitoring for bands, which is with floor monitors or "wedges". The in-ear monitor sound is generally clearer and more detailed, so you will likely need to adjust your listening technique and how you respond with your voice. The level of microscopic detail that you will experience will take some adjustment, but this is fair warning for you and you will eventually learn how best to maximize this valuable resource.
Finally, having a cooperative, exploratory, and fun spirit about music will go a long way in helping to push our abilities for making the best music that we possibly can.
