Singing A's Tool Chest Forum

[tommcq]

ARTISTRY -- Tone Color & Dynamic Pallets

Most of us are reasonably familiar with the range of volumes in our
"dynamic pallet". When our Chorus Director asks for more -- or less,
we respond pretty well.

In contrast, many of us are less familiar with the range of colors in our
"color pallet".

Fewer still use our range of tone colors to "audibly" increase our
perceived dynamic range.

Dynamic Pallet

The effect of varying degrees of loudness and softness in our
performances can be breathtaking.

We achieve these volume changes primarily by increasing or
decreasing the airflow across our vocal cords.

However, to produce our full volume range our tone must be
"well supported, freely produced, properly placed and resonant".

In addition we frequently find that more support is required to
produce our tonal range highs and lows and our dynamic range softs
and louds.

Color Pallet

Think of some of your favorite lead voices. How about:
PLATINUM's Joe Connelly
The Boston Common's Rich Knapp
Michigan Jake's Mark Hale
The Four Rascals Tommy Spirito

When they perform a song, can you hear them change their volume
levels?

Do you also hear their sound quality vary from "dark" to
"their normal" to "bright" or --- to "foggy" or "breathy" or -- even
"rough" or "raspy"?

What are some other words that describe a "tone color"?
Clear? Nasal? Thin? Fat? Rich? Resonant? Intimate? Sexy?
Hollow? Pleading? Playful? Red? White?
Others?

Tone Color's Impact On Perceived Dynamic Range

What happens to Joe Connelly's "volume level" when he places the
tone more forward? Does it sound as if he's singing louder as well as
brighter?

Lets sing the last line of your best tag and explore the use of tone color as
it impacts upon perceived volume.

Let's explore the possibilities in your best ballad.

Let's explore our range of colors using a Major Triad
1,3,5,1 Octave Voicing
in the Key of C
using the "ih" as in "sit" target sound.

Borrowed From Tom McQ's Pilfered Tools