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Unit 3 · Ornaments

A flick from above

Decorate a note with a flick, a quick touch of the next note up, light from the breath and never the jaw, starting slow and getting a touch quicker. Free.

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What it teaches

Folk singers decorate a note with a flick: a quick touch of the next note up, then the note itself.

Light, from the breath. Never from the jaw: rest a fingertip on your chin

The next note up. Just a touch, then home

Slow first. Real flicks are much quicker: we start with a slow one

What you sing

  1. The line with its two flicks, on "Town" and "born", at your own pace.
  2. Listen, then sing it back, flicks and all.
  3. Again, a touch quicker.
  4. Once more, a little quicker.

Singing safely

Sing at an easy volume, in the middle of your range. Stop if anything tightens, scratches or hurts, and rest your voice.

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Stackapella teaches you to sing harmony one part at a time, right in your browser.

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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