The Joy of Singing

Hi Everyone!

I was thinking of offering 3 online singing sessions in May and want to know if any of you would be interested. Each session will outline a focused warm up and process to finding those tricky free, fast or long notes.

I wanted to created a poll but can't seem to here so
Comment "ME" if interested in one or more of these topics and I'll DM you the details for signing up.

Online Courses in May with Angie Reichenbach at The Joy of Singing
May 9 Blueprint for Stress Free High Notes
May 17 Blueprint for Singing Fast Notes
May 23 Blueprint for Sustaining Long Notes
Classes are 90 minutes and start at 1:30 pm ET/ 6:30pm UK
Can’t make it live? Classes are recorded and sent to you within 24 hours
Cost $70 CAD per class or all three for $200 CAD

I was thinking about these 3 Vocal Truths on my walk today:

#1 Understanding how the voice works is power for the singer

#2 Voice production begins BEFORE the voice is heard

#3 Breath responds to what it meets on the way out

Thank you !

A little Messiah to start your day: https://georgetownbachchorale.com/event/handels-messiah-2/

This was the first time I had performed with the Georgetown Bach Chorale. I had a bunch of solos, it was a new venue , new conductor and new interpretation of the score. To say I was nervous 😬 is an understatement. Two years later I feel like a pro and am really looking forward to the performance this weekend with what is now my ‘home’ choir.

29 Nov 24 - HANDEL’S “MESSIAH” – 2 DATES HANDEL’S “MESSIAH” – 2 DATES Fri Nov292024 7:30 pmAt Christ Church Brampton and Holy Cross Catholic Church4 Elizabeth Street Brampton, ONCome and join the GBC for what is likely the most exciting performance around of Handel’s famous Oratorio. Ron, our brilliant artistic director, brings t...

Email from yesterday’s workshop participant:

“Thank you both for leading such an incredible music event! It was not only highly enjoyable but also informative, engaging, and a wonderful experience for everyone who attended.

It’s clear that your efforts made a lasting impression on everyone who participated.

I look forward to more events like this in the future!

Warm regards,
Kathleen💫”

How nice to hear this kind of feedback !!

Happy Friday Everyone!

I'm off to speak and sing at a special Taize service tonight - super excited! - but let me show you this first.
I was listening to a Youtube video and paused it and saw this very cool image.

This is Voces8 singing Lux Aeterna. They are absolutely stunning.

Take a look at their faces, jaws, eyes, shoulders. Do you see any tension?

Nope

This is difficult music but every single singer is completely relaxed. They have to be. Beautiful music is created on freedom and energized relaxation - sounds contradictory but it's true.

Contact me if you want to learn how!
[email protected]

When your voice is a whole tone LOWER when you start warming up......

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Just saw this on another voice group and thought I would pass it along to all of you.

When we have surgery, intubation can cause inflammation and long recovery for singers. Remember this if you, or anyone you know, are having surgery.

“Yes, we have options! My first surgery, they used a child’s tube and the second was minimal and they used a mask for anesthesia- only because I requested the extra consideration. My husband does these procedures and said that yes, the providers will sometimes damage the folds and are not overly concerned about it unless they know in advance that you are a professional vocalist. They will know if they damaged your cords or can get you a referral for a scope. Give it a couple of weeks to heal first, though. (Two should be good)”

I would even suggest a longer period of recovery before heading back to full time singing. 🎶

Take care of yourself - promise me!!

Family comes first. My mom had a stroke 7 weeks ago and I have spent a lot of time in hospital chairs, on phone calls to care providers and visits to long term care facilities. She’s recovering amazingly, at the age of 94! She looks so happy and healthy today but it’s been a rough few weeks.

When we face challenges our Vagus nerve kicks in and sends us into our “fight,flight,freeze” mode.

This freezes up your larynx, engages the false folds and more. Basically, when we’re stressed our voice feels it.

I have spent time deep in prayer, doing deep breathing exercises, lots of straw singing and it all helps but to be honest, the last few weeks my voice just hasn’t felt right.

Knowing all this though, has helped me give grace to myself and be patient with all the crackles and aging symptoms while stressed out.

Here’s to better days ahead and more freedom in my voice as my mom gets better and better. ❤️

Email from a participant in Saturday's workshop:
"This was awesome today. Thank you Angie, I learned a lot of very very useful techniques for the mature voice this afternoon.

I am also grateful for the online exercises to help that I am sure will help me put into practice at least some of what I have learned. 🤣

I am definitely interested in taking other learning/lesson opportunities that you offer.

Thank you."

Well, dear singer and new friend, I am definitely interesting in having you learn more with me! ☺️
Welcome to the Joy of Singing family!🥰

I just got home from teaching another choir workshop, this time for the Masterworks of Oakville choir.

I am feeling so blessed to be doing what I’m passionate about. Teaching people how to sing better, stronger, higher and faster fills me with emmense joy.

I love that light bulb moment. That ‘ah-ha’ or ‘I never knew that!’ look in their eyes.

Learning that we have two sets of vocal folds is always one of those moments- lol! Someone always looks at me from the group with that “No wayyyy” look and I have to smile. It’s the exact look I had when I first learned these things.

My business has grown so much this year that I have doubled my income! It’s not about the money but it’s what the money represents - being successful at owning my own business and helping singers thrive.

So here’s to doing the thing you love to do!

And yes, coffee is fine for the voice (at least a little bit like this one is)