how to make speech choir

• About the NEL Curriculum

Objectives of using Speech Choir

The speech choir experience – 1. getting teachers ready.

The Speech Choir Experience – 2. Familiarising children with the text

The Speech Choir Experience – 3. Choreographing the performance

The Speech Choir Experience – 4. The performance

The Speech Choir Experience

• An opportunity for children to:
• gain confidence in speaking and communicating as a group before an audience 
• work cooperatively with one another towards a common goal 
• A new strategy which teachers can use to enhance children’s learning 

How to Conduct a Choir: Lead Like a Pro

Learn how to conduct a choir like a pro by checking out Musicnotes’ detailed how-to guide. Understand the basics of cues, cutoffs, assembling, and more!

Conducting a choir can seem like an overwhelming responsibility. When all eyes are on you, relying on your cues, reminders, and energy, you can’t afford to be unprepared. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand the basics of conducting, and how you can confidently lead your choir through a great performance!

Conducting Patterns

One of the most important jobs a conductor has is to the choir on tempo. In order to do this, most conductors use conducting patterns .

A conducting pattern is a pattern in which your dominant hand follows in order to establish beats and tempo to the choir.

Conductors that are directing large orchestras and choirs will oftentimes use a baton so that the entire group can clearly see the motions. For smaller groups and more informal settings, it is sufficient to just use your hand.

BOTH hands can be used to conduct the beat when the non-dominant hand is not being used for cues.

These conducting patterns change based on the time signature, but the most common patterns used are for songs with 4 , 3 , or 2 beats per measure. In the following illustration:

• The numbers represent the beats in each measure.
• The arrows represent the direction of movement between beats.
• The word out represents a movement away from your body.
• The word in represents a movement towards the center of your body.

These basic conducting patterns are widely used and we suggest taking the time to familiarize yourself with them. Depending on how proficient you would like to be, you can go anywhere from watching  YouTube  tutorials, to taking classes, to getting a degree in conducting! All in all, the end goal is for these patterns to become like second nature to you so that your non-dominant hand is free for other cues.

The reason 6/8 is listed with 2/4 is because 6/8 is typically felt in 2 ( 1 2 3 4 5 6) rather than in 6 ( 1 2 3 4 5 6 ).

Cuing Entrances and Cut-Offs

Once you’ve mastered keeping rhythm, you will need to start thinking about conducting cues . Cues are important because, as we mentioned before, your choir is depending on you to lead them through a well-executed performance. Even when songs are memorized beforehand, cues will ensure that your entire choir is on the same page. The two most important cues you will need to learn, both for the choir as a whole as well as the individual voice sections , are:

In order to deliver these cues, you must know the music . This sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s actually much harder than you’d think to direct your choir while looking down to check your own music. You simply won’t have time to always be doing both.

As a conductor, it’s important to always be thinking ahead.

For example, if your alto section has a syncopated entrance at measure 52, you need to have your head up and eyes locked on the alto section at measure 50. Your hand will go up at measure 51, and your cue will come just a moment before the altos make their (hopefully) flawless entrance! All the while you are keeping the tempo and thinking ahead to the next cue you need to give. This is why it’s so important that you know the music better than anyone else. You should be able to cue your choir’s entrances and cut-offs in your sleep!

Cueing Song Sections, Harmony Parts, and Lyrics

When it comes to cueing song sections (such as a chorus or a bridge), harmony parts, and lyrics, you will want to come up with a variety of hand signals that your choir will recognize so that they don’t have to try and read your lips as you whisper-shout different commands. We’ll give you a few ideas:

• Typical church choirs usually stick to 3 harmony parts. If you’re leading a church choir, to cue these parts you might hold up the numbers 1, 2, or 3 , to indicate them singing in unison (1), two parts, or three parts.
• If there is a lyrical section your choir struggles with, decide beforehand on a signal that will correlate. Otherwise, you can simply point to your mouth to get your choirs attention and then mouth the upcoming lyrics.
• Use sign language to indicate choruses (C) and bridges (B). This is especially helpful for when these sections are repeated multiple times.

Arranging Your Choir

When it comes to arranging your choir, the possibilities are endless. First and foremost, we recommend that for every type of formation, the singers should be assembled in a slight arch . If that isn’t possible, the singers on each end should angle their bodies in towards the center. This allows for your choir to really hear each other and blend well. When it comes to placing each section within the arch, the most common formations are:

You can use these formations as a starting point for your choir, but feel free to branch out and create a formation of your own! For example, if you have a smaller choir, you could play around with intertwining different voice parts throughout the entire formation. But for any formation you design, you should keep these two things in mind:

• Every member of your choir should be visible .
• You should hear an equal distribution of voices from your choir.

Energize Your Choir

Perhaps one of the most important jobs of a choir conductor is to set the energy of the choir!

If the conductor looks tired or like they don’t want to be there, the choir will likely mirror that attitude.

You can boost the energy of your choir by:

• Giving a pre-performance pep talk
• Doing fun vocal warm-ups
• Lead some stretches or partner shoulder rubs
• Giving affirming smiles and gestures during the performances
• Making funny faces at your choir (yes, it works!)
• Praising your choir for what they did well

A high energy level from your choir will result in a focused performance as well as motivation to do a good job! It will also ensure that your choir will be focused on you as you guide them through each song and transition.

We hope these tips and tricks on how to conduct a choir were helpful for you and that you feel more prepared to begin your conducting journey! Like anything, the more practice you get, the better you will be. You should always stay motivated to push on through the frustrating times, because the bond between a great conductor and a great choir is one that sticks with you forever. Happy conducting!

Related Posts: 

• 10 Hauntingly Beautiful Choral Compositions for Your Choir
• 10 Telltale Signs You Might Be a Choir Nerd
• Choral Audition Tips from 6 Stand-Out Choir Conductors!

Yes, I was trained as a choral conductor and taught public school music for several years before moving to New York. Now, I am fortunate indeed to have an international studio of singers who travel from all over the globe to study this technique. One major question that comes up over and over again is, "How do I take these well paying and enjoyable choral jobs and keep my voice healthy?" This is a major question and it has taken me several years to come up with ideas that actually serve the singer in a choral setting. I have friends who are conductors and I am often asked how to vocalize a choir in order to keep vocal health a top priority. This has led to seminars with choirs on vocal technique in a choral musical environment. This is the subject that I wish to address in this article. Hopefully I can offer some good vocal guidelines to both singers who sing in choruses and choral conductors who are looking for new and inventive ways to inspire healthy vocal technique in their choir.

Addressing problems in the upper tessitura:, vocal health in choral repertoire is not always an easy task to accomplish. much of the reason for this is the aspect of tessitura: the range where singers must produce the majority of their pitches within a given piece of music. certainly most singers do not know how to accomplish an open throat in the upper tessitura. their concept of sound is by 'over listening' to themselves for tonal quality. the excellent choral singer must learn to listen only for pitch and to 'feel the open throat' in his/her voice. my teacher, alan lindquest loved choral music. he once said to me that one of the most thrilling musical experiences is to sing in an excellent choral setting. i think he had an excellent point. again the problem of tessitura must be addressed with intelligence and diligence if choral vocal health is to be accomplished., special problems of tenors and sopranos:, tenors and sopranos have quite a difficult time because most of the singing is in the upper passaggio area: this is the range from approximately c to f at the upper end of the staff. the difficulty is the position of the larynx. many choral singers are high-larynxed singers and have no idea of how to accomplish an open throated pharyngeal vowel. this space in the back of the throat that is produced when a singer learns pharyngeal vowels is what i call the 'shock absorber' for the vocal cords. the open acoustical space is affected directly by the singer's concept of vowels. this is where the intelligent choral conductor comes into the picture with a commitment to vocal health for his or her choir. how does one vocalize a group of people in the upper range with a lower larynx position there are several ideas that can help. remember to keep your concepts simple. i keep in mind that simplicity creates more positive results in the private studio. in a choral setting, this conscious simplicity is even more important., questions and solutions:, to be realistic, few choral singers know much about singing in the upper register with a lower larynx position. there are several questions to consider while 'warming up' a choir before going to music..

(1) Are the singers using a 'spread mouth position'? Solution: Have the singers inhale with the fingertips over the mouth. This should be done with the mental image of 'vacuuming in the air'. The result will be the proper mouth position for pronouncing within text. This can be accomplished by teaching the singers to pronounce with Italian consonant function, i.e. the tongue working separate from the jaw. (2) Are the tenors and sopranos opening their mouths 'too early in the scale'? (This causes a gag reflex in the root of the tongue that cuts off the upper range and creates 'shrill tone'.) Tenors and sopranos should have only about a 'forefinger's width between the teeth' until about high D or E-flat on the upper end of the staff. Solution: Have the singers vocalize all 5 vowels while placing the forefinger between the teeth. This will give the singer a sense of pronouncing with the tongue MORE than the jaw. It will also encourage the singers to make the space 'inside the pharyngeal cavity'. (3) Are the singers producing their sound with the 'jaw slightly down AND back'? The 'back position' of the jaw encourages the larynx to 'float' in a slightly lower position. (This is not to be confused with a 'depressed larynx'.) Solution: Have the singer place the forefinger tip slightly behind the upper teeth in a vertically straight position. The jaw will find a 'relaxed back position' which creates more acoustical space in the throat. (4) Is the posture of the back open or curved? Solution: Have singers vocalize against a wall with the feet slightly away from the wall. Have them breathe a small amount of air into the 'lower back'. Then as they vocalize, have them press the back into the wall further; this creates the proper 'support of tone'. The back should press further into the wall as the singers go higher and keep the support of the high note on while descending. As a standing posture, singers need to keep a slight 'bend' at the hip sockets as though they are about to snow ski. (5) Does each singer know the concept of really dropping a low breath at inhalation? Solution: While sitting on a straight chair, have the singers lean slightly forward from the hips. Then have them 'relax the abdominal wall completely' so the new breath will drop low in the body. The sensation will be that the breath comes into the body 'all around the waist' as well creating the feeling of 'filling an inner tube' around the waist. Then have the singers make a 'hissing' sound to learn the proper sense of support of tone. The 'hissing' creates the antagonistic pull in the lower body muscles which creates support of tone. Standing posture needs to have a 'slight bend at the hip sockets'.

Special Problems of Altos and Basses

I have often found that choral directors find their choir 'out of balance' in regard to upper and lower voice parts. since upper overtones produce a larger sound by the laws of acoustics, it is easier for higher parts to be heard. however, in many choral settings the altos and basses find it difficult to create 'enough sound' to balance the choir. here we must fly in the face of convention to a point. many choral directors are afraid of resonance in the voice. they attempt to accomplish 'choral blend' by using a somewhat 'hooty' or 'boy choir' production. this really makes adult singers throaty in their vocal production. every voice is made to resonate naturally. 'choking' this resonance out of the voice is not only unhealthy, but also counterproductive. if voices are allowed to resonate properly, then a choral blend will occur from the natural 'ring' that is common in adult voices. the 'ng' sound, such as in the word 'singing', is an extremely effective tool to use while vocalizing a choir. the more that a voice is produced on 'ring' the more the choral blend will result. when resonance is taken out of the voice, i.e. in the 'hooty' or 'boy choir' approach, throatiness is the result. any throatiness cuts through the blend much more than a healthy resonant sound. the most difficult problem of the 'hooty' production is that the lower voices suffer terribly in attempting to balance with the tenors and sopranos. keeping the 'ng' ring in the lower voices is the only way to achieve a good choral balance. every choral conductor is challenged to address the major problem of the lower voices offering enough sound., many choral singers wish to know more about resonance in the voice, especially if their background is mainly instrumental. in the lower voices, the problem of 'hootyness' comes into play much more because of the lower tessitura. also lower voices tend to try to 'color their voices artificially' with the back of the tongue. they try to listen for vocal quality too much. this results in incorrect throaty sound..

(1) Are the lower voices over-dark and hooty? Solutions: Vocalize the lower voices on the 'ng' sound as in the word 'singing'. As with the tenors and sopranos, make sure the jaw is slightly back. Have them image that the vowels are produced behind the tongue with the tongue achieving a 'forward' position in the mouth. Also, make sure the singers are not 'over-opening' their mouths in the middle register; this also creates an overly-dark and hooty sound. The tongue goes into a 'gag reflex' when the mouth is too open too early in the scale. (2) Do the lower voices 'cut out' in volume as they sing low? Solutions: Lower tones MUST be sung on resonance in order to have presence and 'sound' in the concert hall or theatre. Again vocalize the singers in the lower extremities on the 'ng' sound along with the small Italian 'u' vowel. Be sure their heads are not 'depressing the larynx' as they sing low. The 'depressed larynx' (chin buried into the neck) makes more sound inside the singer's ear, but 'cuts out the volume' to the audience. (3) Are the singers 'blowing too much air pressure'. This will 'cut out' the overtones in the voice and create a smaller sound, even though the singers get a bigger sound in their inner hearing. Teach them to 'feel the sensations of the ng' rather than 'listening for a big sound'. The result will be a larger choral sound. Use the idea of having them vocalize against a wall while breathing into the lower back and then supporting into the wall further. (4) Again, are their mouth openings too spread?

Solutions: Have the singers pronounce through the shape of an 'o' vowel. This will encourage the tongue to do most of the pronouncing as in the Italian language. Pronouncing this way also creates much more legato line. Also use the previous idea of having the singers pronounce the 5 vowels with the forefinger tip between the teeth. Also use the Italian 'u' as a reference point in alignment of vowels. Use a sequence of vowels starting on the Italian 'u'. Have the singers keep the 'feel of the u' as they go to the other vowels. This will also help choral blend.

Exercises that create a healthy vocal sound:, (this simple exercise will begin to allow the singer to assimilate the idea of 'narrowing' the vowels as they go up instead of spreading. this is good for volunteer choirs because it involves less range.), (creates similar results as the number 1. be sure the singers keep the jaw somewhat down and 'flip' the l's. the tongue should function separate from the jaw.), (this exercise shapes the pharynx in a healthy acoustical space for all vowels. use the idea the all the vowels keep some of the 'u' feel in the throat.), (exercise is intended to help singers discover more head voice in their quality and to blend the registers more smoothly.), (have the singer feel as though the larynx drops slightly as they sing the 'u' vowel. this will begin to help them discover a 'lower larynx' position. vennard calls this the laryngeal pivot or 'rocking' of the larynx. use this exercise only in the middle range.), (this exercise is designed to allow a lower larynx while going into the upper range. the 'o' and 'u' vowels are lower larynxed vowels and performing this exercise will help the singers not to create a 'spread and shrill sound in the higher register. the jaw should be somewhat stable encouraging the singer to pronounce with the tongue separate from the jaw.), (exercise allows for the 'ng' ring to thread into the form of the vowel. use the vowel modification of 'aw' for the 'a' if it is too spread.), all of the above exercises i have used with both semi-professional choirs and volunteer choirs in master class settings. i hope you find them helpful to you and your organization., (c) david l. jones/2000, please direct questions to [email protected].

ScholarWorks > Arts & Sciences > Communication > JCP > Vol. 1 (2018)

Creating a Speech Choir: The Bounty of Authentic Audience Experience for Students

Susan Redding Emel , Baker University Follow

For most students at my university, classroom experience alone was the choice for formally developing speaking skills. My idea was to provide students with recurring authentic audience experience, attending to the audience dimension outlined by Derryberry (1989) as a critical requirement of public speaking pedagogy. Through research, a new idea was proposed: Create a Speech Choir, combining talents of the students in one performance. Though it has elements of forensics, reader’s theater, choral reading, public speaking and more, it is not identical to any of these. As the team evolved, more pedagogical elements were added including service learning, attention to feedback intervention, and limited social activism in an atmosphere of collaboration and creativity. Quite unexpectedly, however, Speech Choir managed to attract both students with performance confidence and those professing high communication apprehension.

10.31446/JCP.2018.11

Recommended Citation

Emel, S. R. (2018). Creating a speech choir: The bounty of authentic audience experience for students. Journal of Communication Pedagogy, 1, 58-63. https://doi.org/ 10.31446/JCP.2018.11

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How To Achieve Excellent Tone, Balance and Blend in Your Choir

by Jenny Green | Choir , Singing

Sometimes the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and that can certainly be true with a choir. If you recorded every member of a choir separately and played the recordings simultaneously, it would not sound the same as the whole choir singing!

Why is that?

A key aspect of choir singing is that the sound produced is the result of lots of voices singing together . Because of this, it’s not enough that each singer be good; the quality of the overall sound that a choir produces has to be kept at a high standard. Specifically, the choir’s members must blend well.

I’ll be offering some advice and guidance for choir directors to achieve a good blend with their choir, but of course it all hinges on the singers at the end of the day. So don’t think you can skip this article just because you’re a singer rather than a director!

Balance, tone quality and the blend

Blending in a choir is key to getting a unified sound. It’s all very well when individuals can sing confidently, but if certain voices are sticking out, it’s not a choir anymore – it’s just a group of soloists!

Blending well can be achieved in two ways: Balance and Tone Quality .

As a director of a choir, it is important to listen out for discrepancies in balance amongst different parts. By “balance” here we mean the relative volume of each part. Depending on the piece of music, the volume of each part shouldn’t necessarily be the same. Good balance does not just mean every part has the same volume. It means every part has an appropriate volume.

One common rule of thumb is that the melody should be most prominent. Usually this is in the Soprano part, or whichever part is singing in the highest register. At times though a lower part such as the Tenors might briefly take the focus. As a choir director don’t be afraid to ask for “more tenor” for example, if you want to bring out an important phrase, or ask for “less basses” if they’re overpowering everything else.

As a singer, you should always be aware of the balance your choir is aiming for in each section of each piece, and stay conscious of how your own singing is contributing to that. Are you and the others in your section singing too loudly or too quietly? Adjust your volume and maybe have a word with your fellow singers or the choir director if you feel something’s out of balance.

2. Tone Quality

Tone quality consists of the following:

• The overall style of tone. This can range from a very pure, broad, resonant tone as used in classical choral music, to a narrower, concentrated sound used more in pop and gospel music.
• The vowel and consonant sounds (“enunciation”) used. To make the members of a choir sound more like one person, a general agreement of how to pronounce words must be established. Again, this varies depending on the style of music performed.

Tone quality is much harder to perfect in a choir than balance. It’s mostly up to the singers themselves rather than the director to improve it, because it requires them to not only listen to themselves and each other, but to adapt their voice accordingly. This awareness and response is extremely important in all types of singing, whether performing with a choir or as a soloist.

Don’t be this guy.

Listen to each other

There are various tips and tricks which can be used to encourage your choir members to listen to each other and improve their tone. There’s nothing more harmful to a choir’s blend than singers who sing too loudly, seemingly oblivious to the other singers and the overall sound of the choir!

This skill is more habit-driven than anything, so you should regularly encourage choir members to listen to themselves and their own part more if there is a section or phrase in the music where they are the most prominent. One very important example is if they are singing a section by themselves (solo). While this is happening, the other parts should be listening to them, even if they are not singing anything themselves. It’s a common beginner mistake to “switch off” during rests, when in fact you should be paying attention to how the music continues.

While another part has the solo or is the most prominent, singers should be continually comparing that part’s sound to their own, and applying the directions given in the music score and by the director.

As an example, take this excerpt from “Confutatis” from Mozart’s Requiem. To depict the terrifying hellfire, the tenors and basses are marked forte earlier in the score. However once they have finished and the sopranos and altos are portraying a final plea of mercy, their part is marked sotto voce which means “softly”.

From the markings it is clear that there there should be a huge contrast in the dynamics, but it is up to the choir singers to bring to life these two opposite ends of the spectrum and make the abrupt changes in the music work as intended.

A simple yet effective warm-up for your choir

A warm-up exercise can also help with establishing a better tone amongst the higher and lower voices in order to encourage all the different voices to blend with each other.

This is a good one to start off with as well, as it involves very relaxed singing but with a lot of listening:

Exercise: all together

• While they do this, ask the singers to relax their jaw, massage their cheek muscles and stretch their neck. This will help to get rid of tension in their sound.
• You can move them from one note to another as long as all stay in a comfortable range.

Exercise: Sopranos and Tenors

Exercise: Altos and Basses

A follow-up exercise which gets choir members to retain their desired sound consists of parts staying in their pairs, starting on the “comfortable” G and then doing a long portamento either up or down to the octave above/below for Sopranos/Tenors or Altos/Basses respectively. This provides them with a foundation for the sound before they then venture into more difficult territory. Make sure the portamento is very gradual, as moving too quickly risks losing this solid foundation.

Practice makes perfect!

Getting a choir to listen to the quality of their sound blend is an ongoing process, so make sure to keep their ears active. Use regular reminders, warm-up exercises and encourage active listening to melodies present in other parts.

Listening to each other is not exclusively for improving the sound and blend either. Once you feel they are getting the hang of it, you can use this technique for rhythms, pitch, diction and many other aspects of music.

Listen/Watch The Podcast:

• The Circle of Fifths
• Interval Ear Training
• The Dorian Mode
• The Pentatonic Scale
• What is Kodály?
• How to Sing in Tune
• Four Chord Songs
• Syncopation
• Tune a Guitar By Ear
• Chord Progressions
• Common Chord Progressions
• Minor Chord Progressions
• Blues Music
• Time Signatures
• Polyrhythms
• Playing By Ear
• Progressions
• Perfect Pitch
• Active Listening
• Song Writing

Download free ear training apps to help you improve your ear for music:

Musical U » How To » Collaborating » Choir » How To Achieve Excellent Tone, Balance and Blend in Your Choir

How to Turn Your Voice Into a Background Chorus in Your DAW

Caleb J. Murphy

+ Recording and mixing your songs at home? Preview Soundfly’s online course,  Modern Pop Vocal Production  for free, and subscribe here to get unlimited access.

Don’t have a professional 100-piece choir on hand? Well, I’m sorry to hear that but luckily, we’ve got a way around that: You can have an entire chorus made up of your voice instead!

Before we dive into how to layer your voice in your DAW , let’s talk about who has done this well in the past, and how  they’ve  achieved such a feat.

But first, for all you singing producers out there, Soundfly just launched a brand new course with Kimbra , in which she herself demystifies her variety of vocal techniques and the creative inspirations behind her most beloved songs. Go check out this in-depth and awe-inspiring new course,  Kimbra: Vocal Creativity, Arranging, and Production ,  exclusively on Soundfly.

What a Choir of Yous Could Sound Like

There are two artists who have turned their voices into an enormous choir through multi-tracking very, very well. One proven genius and one young’un currently taking over the world: Freddie Mercury and Jacob Collier.

Exhibit A: Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”

One of the best examples of a choir of voices is Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It was the brainchild of frontman Freddie Mercury. According to The Story Of Bohemian Rhapsody , guitarist Brian May said this “was all in Freddie’s mind” before they started recording the song. And the band typically wrote songs together in the studio.

“It was basically three songs that I wanted to put out and I just put the three together,” Mercury said .

Mercury, May, and drummer Roger Taylor sang their vocal parts for 10-12 hours each day. The whole song took three weeks to record. And some sections had 180 vocal overdubs. When you hear the song, it sounds like a small choir. In reality, it was just three dudes in a studio, with nothing but time.

Exhibit B: Jacob Collier’s “Moon River”

Grammy Award-winning songwriter/producer/composer Jacob Collier covered the classic 1960s track “Moon River.” But he recorded it in his own way — by recording himself singing like 5,000 times. Plus, he added the voices of 144 other singers and musicians, including Chris Martin, Charlie Puth, Herbie Hancock, and Quincy Jones ( see the full list of contributors here ).

This practice is not new for Collier. He often layers his voice more than most producers would, creating his own little Collier Choir. It helps that he has perfect pitch and can identify if a note is a couple of cents sharp or flat.

I’m not saying you should use 5,000 layers of your voice. But a few extra layers of your voice can create a fuller sound than just one or two.

How to Layer Your Vocals

The idea of throwing a bunch of your vocals together sounds cool, but there is a method to this madness. Here are some practical tips for layering your vocals .

If you want to go deeper on layering or writing background vocals in general, check out Soundfly’s comprehensive course on Modern Pop Vocal Production , which has at least two full sections on the topic.

1. Layer Your Melody

I like to add one or two layers of the melody during the chorus . This means I just record myself singing the chorus melody underneath the main vocals.

You can also do this in the verses. Have two of yourself singing the melody during the verses and three (or more) of you during the chorus. Just make sure you sing it as similar as possible to the main vocal. Otherwise, it could get distracting.

2. Find Harmonies

Some singers and musicians can find multiple harmonies  easily. If that’s not you, try to find just one harmony and layer it a couple of times.

Add in those harmonies during the chorus and any other places you’d like to emphasize. The ears perk up when a new voice jumps into the fray, especially when it goes from one voice to two.

3. Sing in Different Octaves

Once you’ve recorded multiple layers of your melody and found harmonies, sing them again but in different octaves.

If you want to widen the sonic range of the voices further than what you can sing, pitch shift them. For pitch shifting , you can copy and paste the recording of your melody or harmony onto a new track. Then pitch it up or down an octave.

4. Pan (for Gold)

Now that you have all the vocal parts, it’s time to balance them all. Panning is one of the most important parts of getting a solid mix and a professional-sounding song.

Don’t be afraid to pan some of these voices as far as 100% left or right. As long as there’s a nice balance of voices between both ears. The general rule is that the higher voices should be panned the furthest either way, but that’s more of a guideline than a rule. Start by keeping the lower voices more toward the middle, panning the voices as they get higher.

Now, all that’s left to do is sing.

Don’t stop here!

Continue learning with hundreds of lessons on songwriting, composing, home recording, electronic production, beat making, and much more. Explore Soundfly’s exciting courses like  Modern Pop Vocal Production ,  Unlocking the Emotional Power of Chords , and  Kimbra: Vocal Creativity, Arrangin g , and Production .

Caleb J. Murphy is a singer/songwriter whose music has been on NBC, ABC, and in hundreds of indie film projects. He also sends a twice-monthly email to indie musicians called 5 Things To Help You Keep Going .

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“Nature’s Symphony”: A Stunning Speech Choir Celebrating the Wonders of Nature.

• March 6, 2023

Table of Contents

Title: nature’s symphony.

Nature is a symphony, a harmony divine With every creature, every plant, every wind and every line It’s a never-ending performance, a symphony of life A masterpiece of creation, with beauty beyond our strife

Nature’s symphony, a song we all can hear The rustling of leaves, the buzzing of bees, the call of the deer It’s a concert that plays, with every sunrise and set A timeless melody, that we should never forget

Part 1 – The Forest:

The forest is a choir, a singing of the trees The rustling of the leaves, the buzzing of the bees It’s a place of peace, a sanctuary of life With every bird and insect, a symphony of strife

Part 2 – The Ocean:

The ocean is a chorus, a singing of the waves The crashing of the surf, the sound that it creates It’s a place of mystery, with creatures great and small A symphony of life, with every rise and fall

Part 3 – The Mountains:

The mountains are a symphony, a singing of the land The rustling of the leaves, the tumbling of the sand It’s a place of majesty, with peaks that reach the sky A symphony of nature, that we can’t deny

Nature’s symphony, a song of love and peace A concert that plays, that will never cease Let’s all cherish and protect, this masterpiece divine And let its symphony, forever entwine.

Sample Speech Choir About Nature

Have you ever experienced the beauty of nature? If so, you know how powerful a force it can be. Nature has been around us since the beginning of time and continues to inspire us with its grace and magnificence. A speech choir about nature is a great way to bring that awe-inspiring power to life. It’s an opportunity to learn more about this incredible force and celebrate its power through words, music, and movement.

In this article, we will explore what makes a successful speech choir about nature. We’ll break down the components that go into creating a performance that captures the beauty of our natural world. We’ll also discuss how to use creative techniques like solo singing or spoken word poetry to elevate your speech choir performance. Finally, we’ll look at ways to ensure your audience is captivated from start to finish by your message of hope and appreciation for nature.

So if you’re looking for an inspiring way to bring the beauty of nature into your life, then look no further than a speech choir about nature! This article will provide all the key information you need in order to create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Let’s get started!

What Is A Speech Choir?

A speech choir is a type of performance art in which several individuals come together to deliver a unified, spoken-word piece of literature. It is typically performed with an audience and may be accompanied by musical instruments or other sound effects. Speech choirs are used to convey messages, stories, ideas, and emotions in an engaging and creative way.

Speech choirs can take many forms; they can be used as part of a theatrical production, as a stand-alone performance piece, or even as a tool for teaching language skills. The members of the speech choir work together to create a unified voice that speaks to its audience. This is done through careful coordination of timing, inflection, and delivery. Each member brings their own individual style and interpretation to the piece, creating an overall effect that is greater than the sum of its parts.

The topic chosen for the speech choir can vary greatly depending on its purpose and intended audience. For example, one group might choose to perform an uplifting poem about nature while another group might opt for something more political or personal in nature. Whatever the topic may be it must be thoughtfully crafted into a cohesive message that resonates with the audience. In this instance we have chosen to present a speech choir about nature – looking at how we interact with it and how it affects us in our daily lives.

Benefits Of Presenting Speeches About Nature

Presenting speeches about nature has many benefits, both to the performers and the audience. By exploring our relationship with the environment, we can gain a better understanding of the world around us. This knowledge can be used to inform decisions and shape values in ways that will benefit all of us. Additionally, speaking about nature carries with it an emotional connection that can bring people together and create a sense of shared purpose.

The physical act of delivering a speech also offers tangible benefits. The process of preparing for and performing a speech builds confidence, strengthens public speaking skills, and encourages creativity. Furthermore, it allows performers to express themselves in meaningful ways while they explore their emotions and experiences related to nature.

Finally, when done skillfully, a speech choir performance can be incredibly powerful. As each performer brings their own voice to the conversation, they create an atmosphere that is both thought-provoking and inspiring. Through this medium we are able to connect with one another on a deeper level while appreciating the beauty of our natural world.

Preparing Your Speech

As we transition from discussing the benefits of presenting speeches about nature to considering how to prepare your own, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with public speaking is different. However, there are several tips and tricks that can help make the process easy and enjoyable.

The first step is to decide on a topic. It should be something you feel passionate about and that connects to nature in some way. Then, begin researching your topic so you have a better understanding of the material. This will also help form an outline for your speech, which should include an introduction, body, and conclusion.

When crafting your speech, use language that resonates with your audience while staying true to yourself. Speak slowly and clearly so listeners can appreciate each word and phrase you choose. Most importantly, don’t forget to express your emotions! As you bring your voice into the conversation, you are bound to create a powerful impact on those around you.

Choosing The Right Words

Now that your speech is written, it’s time to choose the words that will bring it to life. When selecting your vocabulary, consider the audience and their level of understanding. You want to use words that are appropriate for the situation, but also powerful enough to make an impact.

In addition, think about the rhythm of your speech and how different words can be used to create a certain flow. For example, if you are describing a scene in nature, use adjectives and phrases that roll off the tongue and paint a vivid image in listeners’ minds.

Finally, remember to pause occasionally throughout your speech. Pausing allows you to emphasize important points and gives listeners time to process what has been said. It can also help create suspense as you move from one point to the next. With careful word choice and an effective delivery, your speech will be sure to captivate any audience.

Utilizing Gestures And Facial Expressions

Beyond the words, facial expressions and gestures can be powerful tools for delivering a speech. Through facial expressions and hand gestures, you can further enhance the message of your speech and emphasize certain points.

For example, when describing a beautiful nature scene, use your hands to illustrate the vastness of the landscape or to mimic the swaying of trees in the wind. Alternatively, when discussing a sad moment in nature, you can use a combination of facial expressions and body language to evoke emotion from your audience.

In addition to using gestures to illustrate what you are saying, they can also be used as signposts that help guide listeners through your speech. By subtly pointing or gesturing towards different areas of your body while speaking, you can help orient listeners and keep them engaged with what is being said.

When used effectively, facial expressions and gestures can be powerful tools to convey emotion and emphasis in your speech. With practice and experience, these techniques will soon become second nature as you deliver speeches about nature with confidence and poise.

Building Connections With Your Audience

In addition to using gestures and facial expressions, connecting with your audience is essential for delivering a successful speech. A great way to do this is by using storytelling or anecdotes related to nature that can give your audience an emotional connection to the subject matter. For instance, you could tell the story of a particular species of bird that symbolizes freedom or resilience, or you could relate a personal experience in nature that was transformative in some way.

By creating these emotional connections, you help listeners to relate and become more engaged with the message of your speech. Additionally, you can use humor or metaphors to illustrate complex concepts and make them easier for your audience to comprehend. This not only helps them stay focused on what you are saying but also adds an enjoyable element to your speech.

Finally, it’s important to show genuine appreciation for the beauty of nature during your speech choir performance. Speak from the heart about how much nature means to you and why it should be cherished and protected for future generations. Doing so will help create a strong connection between yourself, your topic of discussion, and the people listening.

Setting The Mood

In order to effectively deliver a speech choir about nature, the mood of the performance must be set. To do this, it’s important to use your body language and facial expressions to convey enthusiasm and appreciation for the beauty of nature. Make sure your gestures are big enough for everyone in the audience to see. When speaking about particular plants or animals, you can use hand motions to explain their size or shape.

The tone of your voice should also reflect your passion for the topic. If there’s a particularly exciting part of your speech, emphasize it with a louder volume and an energized delivery. You can even make use of pauses or dramatic breaks in between sentences to highlight important points and engage the audience more deeply with what you’re saying.

Finally, think carefully about how you will end your performance. Choose words that leave a lasting impression on listeners and encourage them to take action – such as conserving natural resources or becoming more aware of environmental issues – after they leave the auditorium. Leave them with something meaningful so they can remember what they learned during your speech choir presentation long after it’s over.

Rehearsal Tips For A Successful Performance

Once you’ve set the mood for your speech choir, it’s time to rehearse. Rehearsal is the key to ensuring a successful performance, so make sure you take it seriously. Here are some tips for rehearsing your speech choir effectively:

First, practice speaking in front of a mirror. This will help you become more comfortable with public speaking and identify any areas that need improvement. Pay close attention to your body language and facial expressions while saying each line – are they conveying what you want them to? Also, get used to different volumes and tones of voice by practicing at different speeds.

Second, practice with a group if possible. Create a safe atmosphere so everyone can be open and honest with their critiques of each other’s performances. Make sure everyone has an opportunity to talk about any issues or concerns they have about their own delivery as well as the team’s overall presentation. If there are any lines that aren’t working well, come up with alternate solutions until you find one that works better.

Finally, don’t forget to have fun! Doing a speech choir should be an enjoyable experience regardless of the outcome. When all members feel relaxed and comfortable during rehearsal, this will carry over into the actual performance in front of an audience – ensuring that everyone delivers their best work on the day of the show.

Popular Themes For Nature-Themed Speech Choirs

Nature is an inspiring theme for any speech choir performance. From the beauty of its landscapes to the complexity of its ecosystems, there are endless possibilities to explore. Here are some popular themes that you can use to create a nature-themed speech choir:

The Power of Nature – This theme focuses on exploring the power and strength of natural forces, from wind and water to earthquakes and volcanoes. It can be used as an opportunity to discuss how humans can both respect and protect nature in order to maintain a healthy balance between our environment and our species.

The Wonders of Our World – This theme explores the diversity of life on Earth, from plants and animals to different cultures around the globe. It’s an ideal way to highlight the importance of respecting all life forms while also showing appreciation for their beauty and uniqueness.

Exploring Conservation – This theme focuses on understanding the importance of conservation efforts, from protecting endangered species to preserving our planet’s resources. It’s a great way to educate audiences while also inspiring them to take action in order to help save our world.

No matter which theme you choose, make sure it resonates with your audience so they can relate and be moved by your performance. With thoughtful preparation and creative planning, you can craft a speech choir experience that will leave everyone in awe!

Wrapping Up Your Speech Choir Performance

Having discussed some of the most popular themes for nature-themed speech choirs, let’s turn our attention to wrapping up the performance. It’s important to leave audiences with strong, lasting impressions that will stay with them long after the show is over.

One way to do this is through a powerful closing statement. This should be concise yet emotionally impactful, summarizing the main points of your speech choir and inspiring your audience to take action. It’s also a great opportunity to bring in any call-to-actions or quotes that you may have mentioned throughout the performance.

You can also close off with an appropriate song or poem that captures the essence of your message. The words don’t necessarily have to match your spoken words, but they should still convey the same theme and emotion as your performance. Music can be a powerful tool for expressing complex ideas, so use it wisely!

As you come to an end, make sure you thank everyone involved in making this event possible – from your fellow performers to those who helped organize it all. A little bit of gratitude goes a long way in creating lasting memories and making people feel appreciated. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to deliver an unforgettable speech choir performance!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a speech choir performance last.

When it comes to the length of a speech choir performance, there isn’t one set answer. It can vary greatly depending on the subject matter, the number of people involved, and the desired effect. While it’s possible to estimate an average duration for such a performance, there are no hard and fast rules about how long it should last.

The length of a speech choir performance is often determined by what is being discussed. For example, if there is only one speaker talking about Nature, then their performance may not take too long. On the other hand, if multiple individuals are presenting different topics related to nature in succession, then the duration could be longer. In addition to this, if there are props or visuals accompanying each speaker’s presentation, then this could also add time to the overall performance.

When organizing a speech choir performance about Nature, it’s important to consider all these factors and plan accordingly. This will ensure that everyone involved has an enjoyable experience with enough time for everyone’s contributions to be heard and appreciated. It is also important to keep in mind that while it is possible to plan out an estimated amount of time for when each person speaks or performs their piece, some people may go over their allotted time due to enthusiasm or complexity of their topic – something that can be expected depending on the content being presented at any given moment during the performance.

No matter what length is decided upon for a speech choir performance about Nature – whether short or lengthy – it’s important to appreciate every individual’s contribution within its framework as they work together as a collective voice with one message: that Nature should be respected and cherished!

What Are The Most Effective Ways To Engage The Audience?

Engaging the audience is an important part of any speech choir performance. It helps to ensure that members of the audience are attentive and connected to the message or theme being presented. There are many effective ways to engage an audience, and it is important to consider what will work best given the context of the performance.

In order to create an engaging experience, it is helpful to use a variety of techniques. This could include varying one’s delivery style, using humor, and making eye contact with members of the audience. Additionally, including visual elements such as props or multimedia can help capture people’s interest. Furthermore, using personal stories or examples in one’s speech can make the performance more relatable for those listening.

It is also important to consider how long one should talk for during a speech choir performance. If a speaker talks for too long, they risk losing their audience’s attention; on the other hand, if they talk for too short a time period then their message may not be fully communicated. Therefore, it is essential that speakers find a balance between these two factors when preparing their performance.

Finding ways to engage an audience during a speech choir performance requires creativity and thoughtfulness on behalf of the speaker. By considering various techniques such as using humor and visuals as well as utilizing personal stories and examples in one’s speech, speakers can create an engaging experience that resonates with their listeners while also ensuring they keep within their allotted time frame.

What Type Of Music Should Be Used To Set The Mood?

When it comes to creating the right atmosphere for a performance, the type of music chosen is incredibly important. Music can set the mood and tone of any event, and in this case, a speech choir performance. Selecting the right pieces to complement the nature-themed performance is crucial for connecting with the audience and creating a memorable experience.

The best way to choose music that will engage an audience is by picking pieces that are meaningful and relevant to the topic at hand. For a speech choir about nature, pieces that evoke feelings of awe and reverence can be particularly effective. Instrumental songs with orchestral elements like strings or wind instruments could create a powerful and solemn atmosphere. Uplifting choruses or solos can also be used as accompaniments to enhance certain moments in the performance.

In addition, finding songs with lyrics related to nature could further emphasize the theme. Whether it’s singing along with choruses or listening attentively to heartfelt ballads, these pieces can help draw out emotion from both performers and spectators alike. With thoughtful song selection, audiences will be moved by the music and become more invested in what’s happening on stage.

Choosing appropriate music for this particular event requires careful consideration as it’s essential for creating an impactful atmosphere that resonates with everyone involved in the performance. By selecting meaningful pieces that evoke strong emotions related to nature, audiences will be deeply engaged throughout the entire show – making it an unforgettable experience for all involved!

Are There Any Particular Tips For Memorizing A Speech?

Memorizing a speech can be daunting, especially if the topic is complex and the delivery must be perfect. However, with the right tips and tricks, anyone can successfully memorize a speech and deliver it with poise. There are certain strategies that can help make memorization much easier.

First, it is important to become familiar with the material. Reading through the speech several times can help you understand the content more deeply and make memorization simpler. It also helps to break up your speech into smaller chunks or sections and practice each one in succession. This will help you commit different parts of the speech to memory more quickly rather than trying to learn everything at once. Additionally, it may be useful to use mnemonic devices such as rhymes or acronyms to remember specific phrases or points within the speech.

Another helpful tip for memorizing a speech is repeating it out loud multiple times until it becomes second nature. This can assist in committing phrases and words to muscle memory, which can be incredibly useful when giving an impromptu presentation or speaking off the cuff. Even if you don’t have someone else present who could listen as you rehearse, simply speaking out loud by yourself can help you nail down your speech so that you won’t forget any lines while presenting in front of an audience.

No matter what techniques are used, strong preparation is key when memorizing a speech. Taking time to become comfortable with all of its elements will ensure that nothing gets forgotten during delivery, allowing for smooth and confident presentations every time!

Are There Any Special Techniques For Making A Speech About Nature More Interesting?

Memorizing a speech is an important part of delivering it effectively, but making the speech interesting is just as important. When crafting a speech about nature, there are certain techniques that can be used to make it more compelling and engaging for the audience. In this article, we’ll explore some of these special techniques and how they can help to make a speech about nature more interesting.

One great way to add interest to a speech about nature is through the use of storytelling. By weaving together stories from personal experience or other sources, you can create a narrative that will keep your audience engaged and entertained. Additionally, introducing vivid images with language helps to paint a vivid picture in your audience’s mind as you discuss topics related to nature.

Another effective method for making a speech about nature more interesting is by using humor. When done tastefully, humor can help break up difficult concepts into more manageable pieces while also helping audiences connect with a topic on an emotional level. Additionally, humor can add levity and lightness to important conversations that may otherwise be heavy or uncomfortable.

To create the most engaging speech possible when discussing nature, it’s essential to research thoroughly before giving your presentation. Read books and articles about the subject matter and study any relevant data points so that you have enough factual information available for your audience. Once you’ve gathered all your facts and figures, practice delivering them in an organized manner so that your delivery flows smoothly from one point to another without getting bogged down in unnecessary details or tangents. With careful preparation and thoughtful planning, you can create an informative yet entertaining speech that will leave your audience wanting more!

In conclusion, a speech choir performance about nature should last between four to five minutes. To engage the audience and set the right mood, I would suggest finding the right type of music that fits the theme and energy of your performance. Memorizing your speech is key and there are a few tips that can help make it easier, such as breaking it down into smaller chunks or reading it out loud. Finally, to make a speech about nature interesting, you can use creative techniques like incorporating props or telling stories. By combining these elements together, you can create an engaging and memorable performance that will leave your audience with a lasting impression.

Overall, preparing for a speech choir performance about nature can be challenging but also rewarding. With some practice and creativity, you can deliver an amazing performance that captures everyone’s attention and leaves them in awe. So don’t be afraid to take risks and have fun with it! After all, your success depends on how well you are able to connect with your audience while delivering your message.

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• August 3, 2023

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• Voter Guide
• Michigan Politics
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• Observer & Eccentric

Harris, Walz bring historic campaign to Michigan, rallying at Detroit Metro Airport

Taking the stage before a rollicking crowd gathered at a hot Detroit Metro Airport hangar on Wednesday night, Vice President Kamala Harris made her first appearance as the Democratic presidential nominee in Michigan, introducing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, and saying "the path to the White House runs right through this state."

"I know we are all clear about what we are up against," Harris told the crowd, referring to the threat she said is posed by the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump and his conservative agenda. But she said in the speech that began just before 8 p.m. that Democrats were not grim about their chances or the effort ahead. "Understand that in this fight, we are happy warriors," she said. "Hard work is good work."

"This election is going to be a fight," she said as the speech got underway. "We like a good fight. When you know what you stand for, you know what to fight for and we know what we stand for."

Moments into her speech, Harris rebuked a small group of hecklers chanting slogans about genocide in Gaza.

"If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that, otherwise I'm speaking." Harris said as she flashed a withering stare at the protesters, who were drowned out by the rest of the crowd before being escorted out.

Harris said Trump's election, if it were to happen, would threaten fundamental freedoms, exacerbate climate change and damage health care access.

"In the next 90 days we need you to use your power ... we need you to energize and organize and mobilize and make your voices heard," she said, as she wrapped up a speech that lasted for about a half hour. "When we fight, we win!"

Come back to www.freep.com for updated coverage.

Speaking before Harris came out, Walz revved up a crowd he said he was told was the largest to date of any rally of the Democratic campaign this year.

"It’s been a pretty interesting 24 hours for me, I have to be honest," said Walz, referring to his joining Harris for their first rally together Tuesday in Philadelphia. Noting that thousands came out to the airport and stood in the heat to be part of the effort to elect Harris, he said. "This is a place full of working folks, students, folks who care ... you did it (attended the rally) for one simple and beautiful and eloquent reason, you love this country."

Walz also said while Republicans "try to steal the joy from this country," Harris "emanates" it. Several speakers echoed the joy theme, calling Trump dark and divisive.

Both Walz and Harris gave shout-outs to union leaders, including UAW Shawn Fain, who spoke at the rally as well.

The UAW, said Harris, "knows what they fight for and knows how to win."

The rally was boisterous and at times profane but the crowd loved it swaying to the music and waving campaign placards.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer scored the loudest welcome of the warm-up speakers. She spoke just before Harris and Walz took the stage, praising their background while denouncing Trump.

"The truth is we can’t afford another four years of Donald Trump," she said. "A second term of Donald Trump would be an unmitigated disaster…. You wouldn’t buy a used car from this guy, much less trust him with the auto industry."

"We need a strong woman in the White House and it’s about damn time," Whitmer shouted to thunderous applause.

She also said she's been in a friendly competition to outdo Walz' accomplishments as governor for years. "He's the only governor I know who curses more than I do," she said.

Rally comes as the Democrats' fortunes have turned

Harris and Walz' appearance in metro Detroit comes just weeks after President Joe Biden, beset by questions about his age and mental and physical acumen being raised by critics in his own party, agreed to step aside as the presumptive Democratic nominee , endorsing Harris.

That touched off a political whirlwind that quickly saw Harris, a former U.S. senator and state attorney general from California, become the first Black woman and South Asian woman to secure a major party's nomination for president. In a span of days, Harris locked down support across the party without any serious effort to challenge her, as a burst of enthusiasm propelled her polling numbers higher nationally and in Michigan.

According to the RealClearPolitics.com average of polls done in the state, Harris had a 2-percentage-point lead on Trump in Michigan as of Wednesday. Prior to Biden's leaving the race, the Republican former president had a lead of about that much over Biden. On the day Biden stepped aside, a Free Press poll showed Trump with a 7-point lead over Biden , the highest such showing for a Republican presidential candidate in Michigan in decades.

Michigan is considered, along with Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, a key part of the "blue wall" that Democrats need to hold the White House. In 2016, Trump narrowly won all three in route to winning the race over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton; Biden beat Trump in all three four years ago.

Trump has made five visits to Michigan this year, the most recent being a rally in Grand Rapids on July 20, a week after an assassination attempt against him at a rally outside Pittsburgh. Biden has been in the state four times, most recently at a rally at Detroit's Renaissance High on July 12. Harris also visited Kalamazoo in July and in February was part of a roundtable discussion on the need for abortion access in Grand Rapids.

By the beginning of this week, Democrats had voted in a virtual roll call to make Harris the nominee ahead of the national convention in Chicago beginning Aug. 19. On Tuesday, she ended two weeks of speculation over who her vice presidential nominee would be by naming Walz, an avuncular and popular governor in Minnesota, who as a hunter, former high school coach and plainspoken Midwesterner is expected to play well in Michigan. The two kicked off a swing state tour on Tuesday in Philadelphia before heading to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on Wednesday ahead of the trip to metro Detroit.

Harris and Walz were set to hold another event in metro Detroit on Thursday before heading to Phoenix.

Energy high at rally but several in crowd need medical attention

The energy among the crowd in the packed and hot airport hangar on Wednesday was palpable, with several thousand supporters lining up hours in advance to get inside. By 4:30 p.m., 2 1/2 hours before Harris and Walz were to speak, the hanger was full, with many guests wearing Harris pins or carrying pre-printed signs. Loudspeakers blasted upbeat music and the crowd, which was standing, began dancing at times. After the event got underway, the Detroit Youth Choir got a huge ovation when they completed their set.

There were several instances where it appeared some in the audience needed medical attention because of the heat. Harris, Walz and Whitmer all had to stop their speeches at various moments to call for medics to help people in the audience.

The rally at the hangar also appeared to steal a page from Tump's playbook. He's hosted rallies at hangars in Waterford and Saginaw this year. The crowd in Romulus was pulsing as the Vice President's plane, Air Force Two, pulled up outside with its robin's egg nose cone glistening in the sunshine.

Harris emerged from the plane with "Freedom" by Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar blasting over the loudspeakers.

Gloria Polk, 79, of Detroit, was sweating in the heat but excited to be at the rally. She’d tried to get onto an earlier Harris rally on Zoom but couldn’t get in.

“I was at the Obama rally in Detroit (in 2008) and I sense a similar vibe,” she said. “But this energy came in two weeks.”

Polk said she likes Harris and what she stands for. “I think the fact that that she cooks and dances makes her everybody's person,” she said.

Leslie Wagner, 61, of Grosse Pointe, is a psychologist who was giddy at the thought of seeing Harris. “I saw Geraldine Ferraro (who was the Democratic vice presidential nominee to Walter Mondale in 1984 and the first woman to be a major party's vice presidential nominee) speak, when she ran,” she said. “I saw Hillary Clinton when she was supporting her husband and I'd really like the first woman president to be Kamala Harris.”

Sandra Richardson-Smith of Detroit, said she considers the election crucial to the future of the country. She refused to say Trump's name, saying she only refers to him as 45, the number president he was.

"I'm concerned about the prospect of losing our democracy," she said. "That other president has no program. He's a felon,"

But the Democratic tour wasn't going without challenge: Ahead of Wednesday's rally, U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, who Trump has named as his vice presidential nominee, made remarks outside the police department in Shelby Township in Macomb County, which Trump has won in each of the last two elections. Vance specifically hit Harris for the Biden administration's failure to stop a surge in undocumented immigrants coming across the southern border for months. Trump has promised to round up illegal immigrants and institute a mass deportation policy if reelected.

Harris' campaign, however, is expected to underscore the argument that the Biden administration had reached a bipartisan deal in Congress to increase funding for border agents and detention facilities only to see it fail when Trump came out against it.

Before the rally, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley issued a statement blaming Harris for high inflation rates and gas prices. "Michiganders won’t be fooled by the Harris-Walz campaign focused on memes, celebrity endorsements and pushing their extreme agenda far and wide," he said.

And some of the criticism came from a crowd of around 50 pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the event to oppose Harris' appearance.

"As the Biden-Harris administration continues to facilitate almost daily massacres across Gaza, we see through the empty attempts to distance a presidential nominee from her complicity in genocide," said Assmaa Eidy of Dearborn.

Protesters wore Palestinian keffiyehs and waved Palestinian flags as they held signs reading "abandon genocide." Loudspeakers and drumming accompanied chants like "Harris, Harris you can't hide, you are funding genocide." Police vehicles and officers on foot blocked off traffic outside the terminal to allow for the protest and legal observers were onsite.

JD Vance: GOP VP nominee takes aim at Harris, Walz on immigration, policing in Michigan speech

Other Democratic leaders speak before Harris

Prior to the 7 p.m. remarks by Harris and Walz at Detroit Metro Airport, a host of speakers took the stage, including Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Democratic members of Michigan's U.S. House delegation. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, who urged Democrats to take the threat posed by Trump in Michigan more seriously eight years ago, said, “I feel a lot better now than I did in 2016."

"Donald Trump is not going to win Michigan,” Dingell said. “Michigan will not let them win. We’re going to hold them accountable.”

U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, reminded the crowd of Harris’ visit to Flint during the city’s water crisis when lead contamination was found in the drinking supply. "She didn’t have to do that,” Kildee said. “She did it because she believes that everybody deserves a shot.”

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan praised Biden and Harris for passing the infrastructure bill that authorized billions in aid to Michigan . He also recalled a visit to the Trump White House when he thought he was going to get word of Trump’s infrastructure plan. Duggan said Trump complained for 30 minutes about how mean CNN had been to him before discussing infrastructure.

“He said there’s no federal money for infrastructure but if you mayors want to build toll roads, you can do that,” Duggan said. “That was his plan.”

Fain, in his remarks, praised Harris as a "badass woman who has stood on the picket line" with workers, including with UAW workers when they struck General Motors in 2019, and denounced Trump − who has repeatedly attacked Fain and UAW brass for endorsing the Democratic ticket − as a "lapdog of the billionaire class," doing little when union auto plants in Michigan, Ohio and Maryland closed during his presidency.

He also noted that Trump began to speak much more favorably about electric vehicles, which he had criticized as expensive and impractical, when Tesla founder Elon Musk endorsed him and committed to helping fund a Super PAC supporting Trump. None of Tesla's plants are unionized.

As for Walz, the UAW president said labor urged that he be selected as Harris' running mate, calling him "a working class guy with working class values."

Contact Todd Spangler: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter@tsspangler.

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After a stroke, this musician found his singing voice again with help from a special choir

A choir for stroke survivors is helping one musician find his singing voice again. It meets weekly at Mount Sinai, and stroke survivor Ron Spitzer says the choir has been crucial to his recovery. (AP Video/Shelby Lum)

Ron Spitzer, stroke survivor, rests at home on Monday, July 15, 2024, in New York. In the 1980s and ’90s, h played bass and drums in rock bands, but a stroke in 2009 put Spitzer in a wheelchair, his voice a whisper. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

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Ron Spitzer, stroke survivor, looks at the window as he rests at home, on Monday, July 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Ron Spitzer, a stroke survivor, walks to his music therapy session on Monday, July 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Ron Spitzer, a stroke survivor, right, sings during a music therapy session together with music therapist, Christopher Pizzute, second left, and researcher fellow, Jessica Hariwijaya, left, at Mount Sinai Hospital, on Monday, July 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Ron Spitzer, a stroke survivor, right, listens to music therapist, Christopher Pizzute, left, during a music therapy session at Mount Sinai Hospital, on Monday, July 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Ron Spitzer, a stroke survivor, right, shops, on Monday, July 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Ron Spitzer, stroke survivor, walks back home on Monday, July 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Ron Spitzer, stroke survivor, arrives home on Monday, July 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Ron Spitzer, stroke survivor, walks into his kitchen holding a cup of coffee, on Monday, July 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Ron Spitzer, stroke survivor, rests at home on Monday, July 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

In the 1980s and ’90s, Ron Spitzer played bass and drums in rock bands — Tot Rocket and the Twins, Western Eyes and Band of Susans. He sang and wrote songs, toured the country and recorded albums. When the bands broke up, he continued to make music with friends.

But a stroke in 2009 put Spitzer in a wheelchair, partially paralyzing his left arm and leg. He gave away his drum kit. His bass sat untouched. His voice was a whisper.

Now music is part of his healing. Spitzer sings each week in a choir for people recovering from stroke at the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.

“I’ve found my voice, quite literally,” Spitzer said.

AP AUDIO: After a stroke, this musician found his singing voice again with help from a special choir

AP correspondent Ed Donahue reports on the power of singing to heal stroke victims.

Scientists are studying the potential benefits of music for people with dementia, traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease and stroke. Music lights up multiple regions of the brain, strengthening neural connections between areas that govern language, memories, emotions and movement.

And music seems to increase levels of a specific protein in the brain that’s important for making new connections between neurons, said Dr. Preeti Raghavan, a stroke rehabilitation expert at Johns Hopkins Medicine and volunteer for the American Stroke Association.

“It increases the possibility that the brain will rewire,” Raghavan said.

Choirs like the one at Mount Sinai offer the hope of healing through music while also providing camaraderie, a place where stroke survivors don’t have to explain their limitations.

“We’re all part of the same tribe,” Spitzer said.

Strokes often damage cells in the brain’s left-hemisphere language center, leaving survivors with difficulty retrieving words, a condition called aphasia . Yet the ability to sing fluently can remain, said Jessica Hariwijaya, a research fellow at Mount Sinai who is studying the stroke choir.

Singing can help stroke survivors improve their ability to speak. The National Aphasia Society maintains a list of music and arts programs , including choirs that meet online, for people with the condition.

Spitzer’s stroke damaged the right side of his brain, which some scientists identify as important for processing musical pitch patterns. He lost the ability to sing familiar music. Once, a Beatles song came on the radio and he tried to sing along but the tune was gone from his mind. He called it an “out-of-body experience.”

“It was like, ‘This isn’t me,’” he said

Rigorous research is in its early days, with the National Institutes of Health supporting studies on how music works in the brain and how it might be used to treat symptoms of various conditions.

That level of research will be important for music therapy to be more widely reimbursed by health insurers, Raghavan said.

The Mount Sinai study will gauge how participation in the choir affects speech and mood, as researchers compare 20 patients randomly assigned to choir therapy with 20 patients receiving standard care. The study also will measure the effects on the patients’ caregivers who participate in the choir.

Now 68, Spitzer has completed other rehabilitation programs that helped him regain physical skills. He walks with a cane, can yell like any New Yorker and has recovered his singing voice.

“I attribute a good amount of this recovery to the stroke choir,” he said. “For me, just getting back to being able to sing a tune was very invigorating.”

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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If you can believe your eyes and ears —

The many, many signs that kamala harris’ rally crowds aren’t ai creations, but trump's false accusation highlights problems with media trust in the ai age..

Kyle Orland - Aug 12, 2024 5:18 pm UTC

Donald Trump may have coined a new term in his latest false attack on Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. In a pair of posts on Truth Social over the weekend, the former president said that Vice President Kamala Harris "A.I.'d" photos of a huge crowd that showed up to see her speak at a Detroit airport campaign rally last week.

"There was nobody at the plane, and she 'A.I.’d' it, and showed a massive 'crowd' of so-called followers, BUT THEY DIDN’T EXIST!" Trump wrote. "She’s a CHEATER. She had NOBODY waiting, and the 'crowd' looked like 10,000 people! Same thing is happening with her fake 'crowds' at her speeches."

The Harris campaign responded with its own post saying that the image is "an actual photo of a 15,000-person crowd for Harris-Walz in Michigan."

Aside from the novel use of "AI" as a verb , Trump's post marks the first time, that we know of, that a US presidential candidate has personally raised the specter of AI-generated fakery by an opponent (rather than by political consultants or random social media users ). The accusations, false as they are, prey on widespread fears and misunderstandings over the trustworthiness of online information in the AI age.

It would be nice to think that we could just say Trump's claims here are categorically false and leave it at that. But as artificial intelligence tools become increasingly good at generating photorealistic images , it's worth outlining the many specific ways we can tell that Harris' crowd photos are indeed authentic. Consider this a guide for potential techniques you can use the next time you come across accusations that some online image has been "A.I.'d" to fool you.

Context and sourcing

By far the easiest way to tell Harris' crowds are real is from the vast number of corroborating sources showing those same crowds. Both the AP and Getty have numerous shots of the rally crowd from multiple angles, as do journalists and attendees who were at the event. Local news sources posted video of the crowds at the event, as did multiple attendees on the ground . Reporters from multiple outlets reported directly on the crowds in their accounts: Local outlet MLive estimated the crowd size at 15,000, for instance, while The New York Times noted that the event was "witnessed by thousands of people and news outlets, including The New York Times, and the number of attendees claimed by her campaign is in line with what was visible on the ground."

The Harris/Walz rally in Detroit is buzzing after a performance from the Detroit Youth Choir. #Michigan pic.twitter.com/sdFQvHhG3I — Nora Eckert (@NoraEckert) August 7, 2024

Suffice it to say that this mountain of evidence from direct sources weighs more heavily than marked-up images from conservative commentators like Chuck Callesto and Dinesh D'Souza , both of whom have been caught spreading election disinformation in the past.

Further Reading

It's also important to track down the original source of whatever alleged AI image you're looking at. It's incredibly easy for a social media user to create an AI-generated image, claim it came from a news report or live footage of an event, then use obvious flaws in that fake image as "evidence" that the event itself was faked. Links to original imagery from an original source's own website or verified account are much more reliable than screengrabs that could have originated anywhere (and/or been modified by anyone).

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Harris arrives in Chicago with momentum. Can she capitalize by increasing appeal with voters?

The challenge for kamala harris, and democrats in chicago for the convention, is to convince other americans watching that they, too, should feel equally comfortable with her candidacy..

In less than a month, Vice President Kamala Harris has succeeded in making her party's rank-and-file feel much better about the state of things in the 2024 presidential race . A challenge for Harris, and Democrats convening in Chicago for theeir national convention, is to convince the other American voters watching that they, too, should feel equally comfortable with her candidacy.

How Harris seeks to do so, or even whether she sees a strategic advantage in doing so, is not clear. Certainly, Harris, like Republican rival Donald Trump a month ago, waltzes into her party's quadrennial partisan fest with full-steam-ahead-like momentum.

Since becoming the party's presumptive nominee, Harris has basked in mostly favorable media coverage of enthusiastic and packed rallies. She has been able to control the narrative about who she is and what she stands for.

In July, Trump had a chance to make a stirring, compelling and case-closing argument to the American people, but failed to do so. Political strategists, pollsters and election analysts say they are watching to see if Harris succeeds where the former president failed.

"Yes, the opportunity for her is there, but she still has work to do," said David Wasserman of the Cook Political Report. "And it's still unclear whether she sees the imperative to moderate her own image."

Democrats gather not just to formally nominate but to showcase unity, too

In an August 8 op-ed, Democratic National Convention Chair Minyon Moore wrote that the convention's goal is to "showcase stories from Americans across the country whose freedoms hinge on this election," while giving Harris and running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, "a stage to lay out their bold vision for the future" based on a "vision of hope, freedom, and possibility."

Aimee Allison, founder and executive director of She The People, a national organization that focuses on political inclusion for women of color, said the party's "big tent" aspirations are producing measurable results. A case in point, she said, was the "huge stage" the Harris campaign gave longtime Republican Mayor John Giles, of Mesa, Arizona, to rip Trump during a Harris-Walz rally in that state this month.

"This coalition is different than the Joe Biden or Hillary Clinton or even a Barack Obama coalition," said Allison, who will be in Chicago. "It's drawn Republicans that have become party-less people and are floating out there looking for a home. … Even in this hardened environment, there are people interested in the Kamala Harris candidacy."

Allison added that the campaign has also energized various Democratic constituencies and voting blocs. She said still pivotal to winning the election is motivating and turning out the party's voters in large enough numbers to ensure victory.

"That's more about speaking to the choir and having the choir sing, having the choir turn out votes in historic numbers," she said. "Both of those things have to be in play. We can't rely only on independent swing voters to win this election."

Key to that goal is "activating" Black and Brown women, she said. Women of color in America may not be a huge slice of the electorate, but they have been a meaningful one. Four years ago, she said, the 7.5% increase in voting by women of color in battleground states produced a decisive result.

"Women of color are the ones who basically unelected Trump, who basically beat Trump," Allison said. "So when we give credit for the groups of people who are responsible for turning the tide from the Trump era, it's women of color."

To see a repeat, Allison said she hopes the campaign emphasizes vocal support for raising the federal minimum wage and eliminating the tax on tips, which Trump has been advocating in recent months. In addition, staunch backing for reproductive rights as a health care, economic and individual freedom issue is imperative.

"The lesson learned is if we have a candidate that is appealing to women of color and a platform that creates excitement, we win," she said.

Trump had the opportunity to appeal to middle-ground voters but did not

Republicans gathered in Milwaukee last month to nominate the former president and his running mate, U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, in the aftermath of a horrific shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, two days before.

The four days leading to Trump's acceptance speech were filled with emotion and anticipation of witnessing Trump's newfound "humbleness" and "changed persona," as his second-eldest son, Eric, told the Florida delegation during a breakfast speech.

Trump's speech, though at times somber and more reflective, did not set a new tone. Two weeks later, Trump scoffed at the idea he would be a "nice man."

"They all said Trump is going to be a nice man now. He came close to death," Trump said at a rally July 31 in Pennsylvania. "And I really agreed with that — for about eight hours or so."

If anything, Trump's rhetoric has remained acidic, referring to the United States as a "very, very sick country" and repeating that it is "going to hell" while reiterating hard-right "Make America Great Again" talking points.

In an Aug. 12 discussion, Trump even eschewed billionaire ally Elon Musk's few attempts to soften his words.

When Musk said he believed the majority of people illegally entering the country through the southern border were "good people" and "hard-working," Trump would have none of that. He insisted they are coming from prisons, mental institutions and insane asylums, and are "terrorists" and "criminals that make our criminals look like nice people."

Musk later cited his concern that burning fossil fuels will deteriorate air quality over time and sought to walk Trump through why he said it was smart to "lean into the idea of sustainability" and to have "have an inspiring future." Trump instead called for vastly increased oil drilling and natural gas fracking, including in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, a 19 million-acre pristine wilderness.

Trump's vitriolic broadsides at Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a popular Republican in his state, during an Aug. 3 rally in Atlanta also worked to undermine the united front the GOP displayed in Milwaukee, and in a swing state of utmost importance as well.

Anti-Trump group to hammer GOP nominee on his 'one song'

The Cook Political Report said Aug. 14, a month after Milwaukee, that the national race is essentially a dead heat with Harris holding a 1-point lead over Trump, 48% to 47%, in polling averages. Cook added that Harris tops Trump or is tied with the 45th president in all but one of the seven battleground states.

"Trump's vote share has not moved very much," said Wasserman, noting that it appears Harris has found some appeal with non-Democrats. "She has taken from the undecided column and from the third-party column."

Anti-Trump activists see an opening to hamstring him in the Midwest swing states he desperately needs to retake the White House.

"He can only play one song," The Lincoln Project's Rick Wilson says of Trump. "It's this very dystopian, dark America that isn't what most people experience or most people believe."

Wilson said that message has historically played well with a "certain white, working-class demographic," especially in the early post-COVID world where many Americans have been in a sour mood, but it has turned stale and many non-MAGA base voters do not embrace it.

"That took a long time to unwind in the minds of most voters, and I understand that," Wilson said of early product shortages and then three years of spiraling inflation. "But he's playing this thing that's bigger than that in a negative way. It's that he talks down America. He insults the country. We're an s***hole country. We are the worst. We're stupid. Everybody else is better than us. That's not what Americans want to hear from a president."

So, on Aug. 12, the group founded by so-called never Trumpers and former Republicans launched an ad taking aim at Trump's "pessimistic" and "very dark outlook" in Arizona, Wisconsin and Michigan.

"Americans want to hear a president who has a vision and is optimistic. And just saying it's going to be great again doesn't make it true," Wilson said. "People want to be in a country where the hope and optimism and the sense of American destiny is part of their lives. And he just doesn't give it to them. I don't get it, and I don't think most people get it."

Pollsters caution much is undecided about 2024 race

Trump's outlook and rhetoric has been pessimistic, but analysts say it is embraced by some quarters of the electorate.

Carol Mills Bishop, a professor in the School of Communication and Multimedia Studies at Florida Atlantic University, points out there is fertile ground for an appeal to disaffected voters, especially those 18 to 35 years of age, who are disgruntled with the economy and soured on the ideal of a democracy they may not see as functioning.

Also, overall "unhappiness" surveys assessing satisfaction in people's lives have registered a plummeting decline in the United States in recent years, she said.

"But it's really that younger group dragging that down," Mills Bishop said. "It's not so much that they are significantly unhappy, but they are unhappier than they have been historically. They are just not getting that initial life bump that we used to see."

Mills Bishop said Trump has fared better in 2024 among the age 18-35 voting bloc on issues like the cost of living, post-pandemic frustration, crime, school shootings and the Israel-Gaza conflict. And she said she has also seen evidence there is a realignment at the political-party level.

"That's the really interesting thing," she said as younger voters lean toward the Trump Republican Party. "Now you're seeing that flip. And some of that can be, at the very least, tied to this level of unhappiness. Where kids are saying something's not right and something's got to change."

The Cook Political Report's Wasserman notes that despite three weeks of favorable media coverage for Harris, the race remains a toss-up. Yes, the averages have her up by a point or two, he said, but Biden won the 2020 election by 4.5 points.

"Even as she's risen in the polls, it's premature to call her the favorite in this race," he said.

At some point, too, Trump's attack strategy, which Wasserman said has been flailing, will start to land blows. Harris, too, will receive more pointed and intense questioning. Moderating positions she has taken in the past presents a pitfall in that it will require convincing explanations, he added.

"Voters in early polling of this race see her as a candidate ... turning the page on the past eight years. However, that could change as Republicans feature ads that depict her in her own words praising Bidenomics or Biden's handling of the economy," Wasserman said.

Antonio Fins is a politics and business editor at  The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at  [email protected] .  Help support our journalism. Subscribe today .