It is important to effectively use the Head-Voice throughout our range as well as in our Falsetto. The Falsetto is used when needed by all of us. As a singer in the Barbershop style, or any other choral style, this awareness is essential for any singer.
When I was in my undergraduate and Masters programs I learned a lot about the chest voice; a mix (a combination of our lower & upper voice) and then our upper head voice range. Now, before you become confused, remember, when our music directors and coaches use the term “Head-Voice”, they are talking about focusing our sound throughout our range. I’m talking about the actual use of your instrument you use to sing with before you go into a voice that is called “Falsetto”.
Our falsetto is another voice above our upper Head-Voice and, when used correctly, can extend our range by at least another octave.
We should also be aware that the part of our voice that connects our full voice to our falsetto, is actually called the “break”. More commonly known in other circles as the “Passagio” or “Passage”.
To be able to sing from the very top of our range including the use of ones Falsetto to the very bottom, without any noticeable change in quality or break, is the optimum any singer should want.
This can be done by understanding the importance of keeping your “head” voice (focus) in your voice throughout your range.
Here are some exercises that will help you do this. READ MORE.
Jim DeBusman taught choral music and voice at both the High School and University level for twenty years. He then had the privilege of joining the Barbershop Harmony Society International Music Staff in June of 1985 and held that position for 25 years.
Jim has competed seven times in quartets and 25 times in five different choruses on the International Stage. He also has been the musical director and clinician for numerous Youth Festivals and choruses in his fifty plus years as a BHS member. Jim is retired as a Singing Judge after 32 years of service and was the former member of that category’s Board of Review.
He currently sings with the Circle City Sound Chorus in Indianapolis, Indiana.