Chapter 2 Singing – Arts and Sports STD IV

Singing and musical instruments

What is singing?

Singing can involve only or a combination of voice and sound of musical instruments.

Singing with correct diction

Learning correct diction is necessary for good singer.

A singer should consider the correct diction to convey the intended message

Important issues to consider for correct diction singing include

1. Opening the mouth properly while singing
2. Breathing correctly while singing
3. Maintaining tempo of the song
4. Understanding the meaning of words

Sing the following patriotic song while considering the correct diction

<<>> Tazama ramani utaona nchi nzuri,

Yenye mito na mabonde mengi ya nafaka,

Nasema kwa kinywa halafu kwa kufikiri

Nchi hiyo mashuhuri huitwa Tanzania

Majira yetu haya yangekuwaje sasa?

Utumwa wanchi Nyerere aliokomesha!

<<>> Chemchem ya furaha ama nipe tumaini,

Kila mara kwako niwe nikiburudika,

Nakupenda hasa hata nikakufasili,

Nitalalamika kukuacha Tanzania,

Majira yetu haya yangekuwaje sasa?

Utumwa wanchi Karume aliukomesha!

<<>> Nchi yenye azimio lenye tumaini,

Ndiwe peke yako mwanga wa watanzania,

Ninakuthamini hadharani na moyoni,

Unilinde nami nikulinde mpaka kufa,

Majira yetu haya yangekuwaje sasa?

Utumwa wanchi Nyerere aliukomesha!

Singing by considering tone

What is tone?

Is a sound with a specific pitch and quality that comes from a musical note or person’s voice

Proper use of tone enhances the beauty and quality of the voice

There are various aspects that a singer should consider to produce a high – quality voice. These aspects include

1. Correct posture when singing
2. Proper breathing while singing
3. Correct diction while singing

Singing in two – part harmony

Singing in two – part harmony involves two singers or two groups singing different sounds at the same time.

These two voices are sung together while maintaining harmony

Singing in two – party harmony requires great attention and enough skill. Two singing in two – party harmony must work together equally

At this stage, you will learn the second voice (alto ) to master singing in two -part harmony.

The second voice contributes to bring a harmonious balance when singing

The second voice is lower than the first voice. When singing in two – party harmony, the singer must consider correct diction and tone to make the song attractive to the audience

Importance of singing in two – party harmony

The following are the benefits of singing in two -party harmony

1. Making a song so interesting
2. Developing listening skills
3. Strengthening teamwork
4. Building confidence

Singing with an accompaniment of musical instruments

Musical instruments are used to support singing

This art needs special skills

There are important issues to consider when singing with musical instruments accompaniment. Singers and musical instruments players should

1. Practicing together regularly
2. Positioning yourself in the correct order
3. Recognizing the relevant musical elements
4. Ensure the balance between the voices and sounds of the musical instruments

Arrangement of singers and musical instruments players

Singers and musical instrument players have different ways of arranging themselves on stage

They can arrange themselves based on the number of voices singing and the type and number of musical instruments being used

To have good arrangement, the following things can be considered

1. The soprano singers must be together
2. The alto singers must be together
3. Musical instruments players of the same type should be together
4. Low – pitched musical instrument players should not stay to high – pitched ones, this is because if you mix low – pitched and high – pitched instruments, the low- pitched ones will not be well heard

Pupils singing with an accompaniment of musical instruments

Exercise

1. Explain the difference between singing in unison and singing in two – party harmony
2. “Asha wants to know why singers pay attention to diction and tone.
3. ”Explain to her the importance of paying attention to diction and tone in singing.

Vocabulary

Alto – A lower singing voice range, just below the soprano.

Note – Written symbols used in music to represent a particular sound.

Pitch – The highness or lowness of a sound, determined by the frequency of the sound waves.

Soprano The highest singing voice range.

Tone – A sound with a specific pitch and quality.