13.3 The chamber choir and the jazz choir

The chamber choir and the jazz choir

Both a chamber and jazz show or "pop" choir can be desirable smaller ensembles with a choral program either in a school situation or in a community program. In many programs a jazz choir will be formed from the chamber choir, or the chamber and jazz groups are one and the same; in the latter case the ensemble performs a variety of repertoire, including vocal jazz.

These ensembles range from eight or nine singers to as many as twenty-five or thirty. Both ensembles provide the opportunity for the department to be flexible regarding performance invitations. A varied repertoire is important to meet the needs of different performance situations. Being able to perform some jazz with eight or nine singers, "pop" tunes with the same or more singers, and folk and other representative, entertaining pieces with even more singers is certainly an advantage to a growing or strong department. Once a basic repertoire is established the performance emphasis can be shifted to meet the particular audience need—service clubs, exchange concerts, civic celebrations, tours, and the short-notice-but-good-opportunity performance. After the basic repertoire is learned, additional pieces can be added, such as, solos, new "pop" pieces as arrangements come out, a medley of nostalgic pieces for the entire chorus, and others.

The jazz choir, swing choir by itself has become a popular ensemble in recent years performing music of the popular idiom. These groups may often have elaborate sound systems and costumes. They range from those who parrot the popular vocal groups to more versatile ensembles who perform vocal jazz and songs of the popular idiom in a musically and vocally acceptable, and often outstanding manner. This author would caution against attempting to imitate one or two popular "name" vocal groups. Without the rehearsal time, money, and show business technique and approach it is impossible to be anything but a much cheaper imitation. Instead, the group that seems to be most successful is one that incorporates the best attributes of a number of popular "name" groups, uses fresh arrangements with solid accompaniment, and makes no attempt to hide the unsophisticated freshness of the young high school student. Community based jazz choirs can also be effective with or without the young singer approach. Older adults may tend toward the nostalgic and perform for specific audiences. Not only should one not hide the freshness of younger singers but one should capitalize on it. Directors should also be cautioned against reliance on sound systems to project the voices. When sound systems are used to balance the singers with the accompaniment, be certain the system is a good one and that the singers are balanced with one another. While sound systems are much of the image and the core of the sound of popular groups, singers in a choral program must also understand how to project a singing voice in a natural environment. Another element for consideration is the movement of the singers while singing. For example, many groups require some level of dance with the music. This needs to be carefully done to allow the singers to sing while trying to dance or move on the stage. Too much motion detracts from the music and may also detract from the singer's capability to produce a good sound.