SPEECH CHOIRMrs.Marilyn Hifarva -Pacong

MVTS

The first plays put on by Greeks featuring choruses of speakers.

Short background:Speech choir or

choral speaking has

a hallowed and

proud tradition.

What is a Speech Choir?Today, speech choir is a popular teaching tool,

as well as a performing art in itself.

Speech choir

operates like a

music choir

minus the music.

Instead of

singing, speech

choirs perform

spoken-word pieces.

It is a powerful

art that is

experiencing a revival.

2Typesof Speech Choir

A.Conventional Speech Choir- also called “traditional”.

Has no use of costumes, nor props, nor choreography the choir simply speaks or reads a literary piece.

B. Theatrical Speech Choir- also called “dynamic”.

The reverse of the conventional speech choir.

Elementsof a

Speech Choir

Elementsof a

Speech ChoirMembers

A speech choir is

typically the same size

as a singing choir

having anywhere

from 12-100 members or more.

More schools and competitions feature choirs

of 25 to 40 members.

The group is

typically are divided

into groups based

on the members’

natural voices or

speaking voices.

Elementsof a

Speech ChoirPieces

Selections are typically

poems or poetic

passage such as from

Greek dramas or

Shakespeare's plays.

The conductor gives

some thought to the

passage, breaking into

parts.

Facial expressions and

intonation are also

carefully planned so all

the members can

practice in unison. Solo

parts for specific

members can add

dramatic effect.

Elementsof a

Speech ChoirChoreography

Choreography of movement is

not necessary component for

speech choir. Many successful

competition choirs recite their

pieces while standing in place

with their hands at their sides,

attention directed solely at the

conductor.

Thus, movement is a part of the rich history of speech choir and some conductors choose to choreograph elaborate movement to accompany their pieces.

In the Greek tradition,

speech choirs

marched from side to

side in alternating

patterns called

“strophe” and

“aristrophe”. The

sequence of steps and

movements in dance.

Elementsof a

Speech ChoirCostumingAs with any other performance

art, thought should be put into

how the speech choir will dress.

Costumes can be as simple as

matching outfits or robes, such

as a vocal choir would wear, or

elaborate theatrical garb.

Plain uniforms allow the audience to concentrate on facial expressions and allow the choir to recite several very different pieces in one performance. *Themed costume for a single piece can highlight its meaning or help to differentiate between voice groups.

Elementsof a

Speech ChoirVoice quality

The ability to combine

successfully the light,

medium, and dark voices in

the choir. The ability to

communicate, through

voice, reactions to thoughts

or emotions.

Elementsof a

Speech ChoirNumber of Voices

The ability to add or subtract

whole sections, banks,

smaller groups, or solo

speakers to increase or

diminish the power or

richness of the sound to

better express the meaning.

Elementsof a

Speech ChoirPitch- It refers to the variations of

the voice on the musical

scale is generally referred to

as infection.

Children generally

have little problem

with pitch because

they use it naturally

and freely.

Elementsof a

Speech ChoirPowerAbility to use volume, force

or loudness as emphasis in

appropriate places to better

express feeling and

meaning.

A power build

should be related

to the elements

of a sentence

and growing

emotion.

Elementsof a

Speech ChoirTempoIt refers to the rate of speed

at which a reading

progresses.

The ability to balance the

rhythm of a piece and the

tempo of performance.

Tempo should

relate to the

central “beat” of

the poem.

If it is too fast or

too slow.

Elementsof a

Speech ChoirStagingThe ability to successfully

organized and position the

choir on stage or risers for

performance effect.

The ability to stage

entrances and exits which

enhance the mood of the

poem and performance.

The ability to stage entrances and exits which enhance the mood of the poem and performance.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

IN DOING SPEECH CHOIR

THINGS TO REMEMBER IN DOING

SPEECH CHOIR

The TextConnection

to the GroupArticulation and Diction

BREATHING

BreathingNoting where it

makes sense to take

breath, so you don't

interrupt the word

flow but have enough

breath to make it through the line.

Breathing in

performance links

you with your whole

group, calms your

nerves, and gives

your performance

life.

Articulation and Diction

Diction is a learned skill

Articulate strongly in rehearsal and in your everyday life.

By practicing your articulation and diction, your words will be clear and vibrant.

Connection to the Group

If anything unexpected happens, the group must respond and correct together.

Onstage, the choir

is your family. Listen

to those around you.

Connecting with

them will eliminate

any stage fright.

The Text

The text is your guide, it’s what the

audience came to see and hear you

perform.

"Let your audience “see’ what you are saying."

"Let your personal reaction to the words sprinkle

meaning on the performance."

Thank you