Did you ever sing in a school choir? Countless people who have enjoyed being part of a singing group in the past rarely seem to have the opportunity to replicate that experience, much less, be part of a professional recording. What happens when you audition and record for a Praise & Harmony project?
AUDITION
First, you must assemble a like-minded quartet of singers, covering all four parts of soprano, alto, tenor and bass. The audition consists of recording a pre-selected song (the latest audition song is the "Hallelujah Chorus") to submit to the committee for the selection process. The committee is looking for, among other things, a smooth blend, intonation, breath control and a sound without vibrato and scooping (attacking notes by starting well below the pitch and gliding up.) Since this is a professional recording, not every group is accepted, continuing an emphasis on excellence which is a favorite hallmark of the P&H collection.
REHEARSE
In addition to balancing the voices between the four parts for the final product, the primary reason for quartets is to provide the framework of regular weekly rehearsals for every participant. There is no substitute for serious rehearsals for learning, perfecting and blending with other vocalists. 25 songs are assigned. The first time that the "complete group" will sing together will be at the actual recording itself; so the regular rehearsals during the months leading up to the recording are priceless and essential. The songs must be learned before the recording process begins. This is why individual singers are not allowed to be part of the process, because the interaction of rehearsals provides necessary preparation.
SECTIONAL RECORDING
When the time arrives for the actual recording, the first thing that happens is every singer records with other singers of their same voice part in "sectional" recordings. This usually happens in four groupings, with every voice seeking to blend as one. Check out this video of the bass section recording in Lubbock, as the basses are assembled in four groups.
First, you must assemble a like-minded quartet of singers, covering all four parts of soprano, alto, tenor and bass. The audition consists of recording a pre-selected song (the latest audition song is the "Hallelujah Chorus") to submit to the committee for the selection process. The committee is looking for, among other things, a smooth blend, intonation, breath control and a sound without vibrato and scooping (attacking notes by starting well below the pitch and gliding up.) Since this is a professional recording, not every group is accepted, continuing an emphasis on excellence which is a favorite hallmark of the P&H collection.
REHEARSE
In addition to balancing the voices between the four parts for the final product, the primary reason for quartets is to provide the framework of regular weekly rehearsals for every participant. There is no substitute for serious rehearsals for learning, perfecting and blending with other vocalists. 25 songs are assigned. The first time that the "complete group" will sing together will be at the actual recording itself; so the regular rehearsals during the months leading up to the recording are priceless and essential. The songs must be learned before the recording process begins. This is why individual singers are not allowed to be part of the process, because the interaction of rehearsals provides necessary preparation.
SECTIONAL RECORDING
When the time arrives for the actual recording, the first thing that happens is every singer records with other singers of their same voice part in "sectional" recordings. This usually happens in four groupings, with every voice seeking to blend as one. Check out this video of the bass section recording in Lubbock, as the basses are assembled in four groups.
COMBINED RECORDING
After the sections are recorded, all vocalists combine to record the 25 songs with all voices intermixed. The culmination of rehearsals and preparation creates stunning results so beautiful they cannot be fully described.
MUSIC VIDEOS
After the audio recording is completed, the entire group is recorded on select songs for music videos. These are the videos that you can find on the Youtube channel and through social media.
Although this process requires an amazing amount of work by every volunteer singer, the testimonies of those who participate are very heart warming. Listen to these Praise & Harmony Singers share from their hearts:
After the sections are recorded, all vocalists combine to record the 25 songs with all voices intermixed. The culmination of rehearsals and preparation creates stunning results so beautiful they cannot be fully described.
MUSIC VIDEOS
After the audio recording is completed, the entire group is recorded on select songs for music videos. These are the videos that you can find on the Youtube channel and through social media.
Although this process requires an amazing amount of work by every volunteer singer, the testimonies of those who participate are very heart warming. Listen to these Praise & Harmony Singers share from their hearts:
RSS Feed
