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Unit 2 · The slow stream

End on purpose

Hear why a note slides flat as the air runs low, then hold one for six beats over a drone and stop exactly on time, while it's still steady. Free to practise.

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More in The slow stream

End on purpose

The end of a breath lets pitch fall. Plan the ending instead: stop on time, while it's steady.

Breathe low. Then let it out slowly

Count the beats. Know where the note ends

Stop on the beat. While it's still steady

What you sing

  1. Listen to each, as often as you like, then choose.
  2. Hold do for six beats with the guide, and stop with it.
  3. On your own: hold do for six beats over the drone and stop exactly at the end, still steady.

Challenge: Your own chord

Three long holds that stack into a chord: do, then mi over your do, then so over both.

Do first. Your note, over the drone

Then mi, a third up. Over your own do

Then so, a fifth up. Over both

Breathe normally for three easy breaths. No countdown: go on when you're ready.

Breathe normally. In and out, easy

Shoulders down. Let them drop

When you're ready. Go on

Breathe normally for three easy breaths. No countdown: go on when you're ready.

Breathe normally. In and out, easy

Shoulders down. Let them drop

When you're ready. Go on

What you sing

  1. Hold do over the drone, easy and steady.
  2. Now mi, a third up, over your own do (and the drone).
  3. Now so, a fifth up, over your do and mi: your chord.

Singing safely

Don't lock your stomach. Stop if you feel dizzy, wheezy or tight, and sit for long holds. With asthma, another lung or heart condition, or if pregnant, keep holds short and easy. Skip it when hoarse or ill.

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Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up. Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up. Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up. Stackapella recording the alto part of Amazing Grace: each note is a bar with its name, and the one being sung says A little low, go up.
  • A guide sings your partHear your line over the others, slow it down, then take your turn.
  • Your notes light upEach note shows where you landed, and a hint when to go up or down.
  • Record every part yourselfStack your takes in time until you're the whole choir.
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