Singing in a group

When we sing with others, we have the potential to make more interesting sounds and a wider variety of textures.

People sing together in choirs, for religious purposes, as a job and even just for enjoyment.

Singing with others requires different skills.

Unison - This is when everyone in the group sings the same part at the same time.

This requires careful listening, as everyone has to try and blend their voices together by breathing at the same time, singing in tune with each other and at the same volume.

Acapella - This is when a group of singers sing without an accompaniment or backing music.

This style of singing usually requires singers in the group to be in harmony. This means smaller groups sing different pitches or parts to others in the choir.

Sometimes singers even recreate other instruments with their voices such as the drums or bass.

This piece by Kerry Andrew is acapella and starts with the children singing in unison.

In the middle section, different vocal effects are added such as percussive sounds and humming.

Listen carefully to how combining all these voices creates one sound. Finally, the choir start singing different notes at the same time to create harmonies.

What's your favourite part of listening to a choir sing?

Kerry is a composer, performer and writer. She's best known for her work in experimental voice and choral music, music theatre and community music.

You can find out more about Kerry Andrew at BBC Ten Pieces.

Not to be confused with the composer, who writes the music, the conductor is someone who leads an ensemble.

A conductor has to communicate information about the performance without speaking. They use facial expressions and hand gestures to guide the ensemble and help them perform together.

A conductor shows the musicians and singers the tempo, dynamics and expression needed to communicate the song to the audience.

Watch and listen carefully to this choir performance. See if you notice any of the instructions the conductor gives to the choir.

How did the choir react to the conductors cues?