We recently received an inquiry from a teacher who teachers 12-15 year old students. They use both Vocalizing 1 and 2 for their warm ups before choir practice. She asked if using movement along with the exercises was advisable.

I wholeheartly endorse the idea of moving while singing.  Standing in a static position can inhibit the bodies ability to stay bouyant, to expand and contract. Moving allows the voice and body to express itself more freely.

I often have singers clap their hands and rock back and forth on the gospel warm ups. It is an excellent way to get in touch with rhythmn and understand meter. If they have trouble moving their voice quickly, in other words, they lack vocal agility, try running around while doing Vivace. Will they feel a little silly? Probably. But i can almost guarantee that it will loosen them up. Moving while warming up gets rid of inhibitions that become apparent once they start performing in front of an audience.

Most singers find it irresistable to keep from moving when singing Latino Ee, eh ah, oh, ooh, Latin Spits, a la Marchesi, Humming the Blues to name just a few. You sing with your whole body, not just the vocal process, so let yourself GOOOO!