SECONDARY SCHOOL SINGING

By E. Perryman

January 4, 2020

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Teaching the young folk seems to suit me. Our musical and theatrical work is usually their first performance exploration. My inner drag queen/midwest worker bee persona seems to amuse and motivate the kids. I have also worked with and enjoyed the middle school aged students. They are intense, talented, moody, quirky, and loyal; somewhat of a small snow globe of modern society.

Outside of private voice, I haven’t done much work with high school. So when I get the chance to slip into their world, it’s intriguing. My friend is a master choral director. I greatly respect how she grows the vocal, musical, and artistic skills of this age level. She works at a performing arts magnet school so the children are very focused. Today, I met and adjudicated some of next year’s incoming 9th grade students (these kids were born in 2006.) For this gen x fossil, it was informative and interesting to experience the modern landscape of an aspiring vocal performer in 2020.

1. Song Repertoire: not the strongest area. While I do appreciate alternative/grunge rock genre of music, vocal stylings-it does not show. Vocally virtuosic, it is not. It was a fresh breath of air when a few students brought in songs like “Over The Rainbow and Dites Moi.” Heck, even wicked belter songs seemed like a high level classic musical choice. And of course, I almost leapt out of my seat when a extremely talented gal sang Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Poor Wandering One,” melismas in tact. I also loved hearing “Out here on my own” from Fame; twas a “pleasant” early 80s junior high flashback.

2. Salt of the earth on the shore: these kids are so earnest. They love singing. So many of them wrote in their essays about how music has saved them in tough times and brought them happiness. One of the students who has overcome social struggles has been healed by finding her voice.

3. A dream is a wish a heart makes: so many aspiring vocalists. The desire to spread light and love is alive and well seemingly more than it was with my generations. Perhaps the pop culture singing shows have fostered singing aspirations among the young folk. Their performer dreams made me wistful. I am hopeful that these students will be able to find a balance with using their musical gifts in the work force. The performing arts field is not all or nothing. Most of us still running the race have built a musical tapestry with various outlets to express our muse.

4. Heart on their sleeves: student emotions were very immediate. As someone who still struggles to find my tears, I was amazed by the expressiveness of many of the students. It was moving to hear one student describe her strength as forgiveness. What an incredibly noble trait. Some kids were insecure which is interesting since teenagers don’t always show their hand. Not all students made eye contact in their performances. In some ways I could see some of my elementary kids reflected in their spirits. I felt the need to protect them.

5. Accompaniment: no bueno. Too many iPhone karaoke tracks, not many live accompaniments. Nope. Not good. I do hope this is a trend that will fade. A few played the uke to accompany themselves. I didn’t see it as an asset for their vocal performance.

6. Overall: I would characterize the kids as diverse, driven, conscientious, eager, and optimistic. They are in kind, passionate, and capable hands.