Chorus

Dodi li Rhythms and Rhythm test (6th and 7th grade)

Download the Dodi Li Rhythms below and practice with the audio files.  We have a rhythm test the first Friday we get back.  Every measure is worth 2.5 points for a total of 120 points.  The minimum tempo is 60 beats per minute (bpm).

Download Dodi Li Rhythms

Dodi Li Rhythms

Dodi Li Rhythms - 90 bpm

Dodi Li Rhythms - 60 bpm

Interval Exercises

Here are some exercises to help identify intervals and improve intonation.

Download Interval Exercises

Interval Exercises

Dodi Li Tuning Exercises

Click the link below to download a PDF of the Tuning Exercises for Dodi Li.  You can also listen to them with equal volume, part 1 predominant, and part 2 predominant.

Download Dodi Li Tuning Exercises

Dodi Li - Tuning Exercises

Dodi Li - Tuning Exercises - Part 1 Left Ear

Dodi Li - Tuning Exercises - Part 2 Left Ear

Solfege Vocalises to help with skips

Practice the exercises below to help hear skips in music.  If the exercise is difficult sing it on a lip trill until it is comfortable.  There are three files to practice with.  60 beats per minute (bpm slow), 75 bpm (medium tempo), and 90 bpm (fastest).

Download Solfege Exercises # 2

Solfege Exercises # 2 - 60 bpm 

Solfege Exercises # 2 - 75 bpm

Solfege Exercises # 2 - 90 bpm

Why sing with good posture?

Students often ask me, “Why do I have to sing with good posture?” 

The biggest reasons I have come up with are as follows:

1. Good posture allows for a swift, easy, and silent inhalation.
2. It allows the larynx to begin in a relaxed, neutral position free of tension and in a speech-like state.
3. Singing with good posture allows the sound to travel more freely, beautifully, and directly to the listener.
4. You look confident when singing. (and we all know how you like to look good!)

Below are some simple tips for good posture:

• Stand with feet shoulders-width apart. (make sure it feels comfortable)
• Weight should be slightly forward on the balls of your feet (this is a more energetic position for singing).
• Knees slightly bent (this prevents loss of blood flow, which in turn can cause fainting.  It’s happened at Cooper so keep your knees bent!)
• Rib cage comfortably lifted.
• Shoulders relaxed slightly back and down (Lifted shoulders will cause you to take a high breath, which will in turn cause you to sing with a high larynx).
• Head should be level and loose.
• Breathe low, easy, and with a quiet inhalation (Again, this allows your larynx to start in a relaxed position).
• Music should be held at an angle so that you can see the music and the director, the director can see you, and so you can follow his cues.

In the end, all of this will help you to sing beautifully and easily.

Down to the River Tuning Exercises (8th grade)

Listen and sing to the links below to work on your tuning exercises.  This will help you sing your part in tune and prepare you for singing the song Down to the River to Pray.  Start practicing with your part predominant file, which will have your part louder and in your left ear.  When you feel confident with that go to the Equal Parts track.  Finally, when you are supremely confident, work with the track that is not your part.

Down to the River Tuning Exercises - Part 1 Predominant Left Ear

Down to the River Tuning Exercises - Part 2 Predominant Left Ear

Down to the River Tuning Exercises - Equal Parts

8th Grade Rhythm Test

8th Grade students will have a rhythm test on January 13th based on one of our festival piece, Down to the River to Pray.  You can download a PDF of the rhythms below.

Download Down to the River to Pray Rhythms

You can also listen to the rhythms here.  The first measure starts with a rest.  Please understand the first sound you hear is beat 2.

Down to the River to Pray Rhythms