I’m amazed at the number of singers who miss the starting note of a song, but then carry on regardless.
You have several options if you miss the start note, but one of them definitely isn’t: “sing anyway”!
There are many ways to be given your starting note for a song. See How to give and receive starting notes (three posts).
Some methods might suit you better than others.
However, there are two common ways of not picking up your starting note correctly.
1. not paying attention
Easily done. It only takes a moment to give out a starting note. You might be chatting to your neighbour, zoning out (wondering what to have for tea), or bending to pick up your water bottle. Suddenly you realise you’ve missed it.
SOLUTION: Put your hand up and ask your choir leader to give the note again. Other singers will probably breathe a sigh of relief. It’s vital to make sure the song gets off to a good start, especially in performance. See Four ways that your choir can begin a song badly – and how to correct them.
2. singing the starting note to yourself
This is an easy trap to fall into. It seems obvious: quietly hum your starting note while the other parts are getting theirs, then you won’t forget it.
The danger is that, as you try to hold the note, it may gradually go flat. When you finally start singing, you’ll be out of tune with everyone else. Also, by focusing only on your own note, you’ll miss hearing the starting chord, which helps you stay on track.
SOLUTION: Listen carefully and hold your note internally, in silence, until it’s time to sing. See Finding (and keeping) your starting note.
Chris Rowbury
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