Cañon City record., 1908-04-16
Musical Messages
Edited by [. D. Eichhorn

I
where together. We are particular
about our faces; our voices we neg
lect Our faces we look at and bathe
and massage and In many ways care
for. II not pleased with the one ma
ture gave us, We endeavor by various
devices to improve the features. This,
by the way, il possible to larger ex-
tent than is commonly supposed, pro-
vided it be shaped and nourished
FROM WITHIN FIRST. External ap-
plications can not accomplish all. But
our voices, faithful servants! How
little We care for them! 1--WE are think
| ing now OF the voice in specify
There are. very few, full, round, deep.
clear, ringing, musical voices to be
heard. f, Instead of sweet, the large
majority are sour or bitter-partaking
OF the owners disposition. Instead Of
full, they are thin; instead of round.
they are angular and sharp; instead
of deep, they are shallow, superficial
or surface voices; instead of clear,
they are cloudy, misty and foggy; in
stead of ringing, they are dull and
dead; instead OF musical they are
hard. rough and ugly. 3
Now, voices differ as much as do
faces. II wrinkles can be removed,
hollows filled out, and even physical
defects such as crooked eyes and
noses be remedied or missing ears
supplied, can not something be done
for voices which are by nature, neg
lect or abuse. lacking in the most de-
sirable qualities? Yes, something
much-can be done and therefore
ought to be done to improve the speak
ing voice no matter what its present
condition. Let US, therefore, note
some of the causes OF vocal ineffi-
cheney that we may remove them.
Twofold are the causes; physical
and intellectual. Frequent colds, sore
throat and catarrh and the conse-
quent congestion OF the delicate throat
membranes are very common, and are
most fruitful causes of bad voice
quality Irregular and poorly kept
teeth, enlarged tonsils, elongated
uvula and various forms OF obstruc-
tion in the nasal passages are also
responsible for much mischief Intel
ligent local treatment by.a specialist
is In some cases essential not only
for vocal. but for general health
However. in the majority OF cases, the
Individual can do for himself all that
is necessary. provided. OF course. that
ne knows what and how. This brings
suggestion of the mind side causes.
Let us name ignorance and indiffer-
ence F..
Most people know that the breath
is the material out of which the voice
is made. but being careless in the use
of material secure very imperfect
the breath is fundamental consid-
Grafton in the production of the voice
Try this exercise now:
Stand. Relax entire body. Uet. go;
feel heavy) Breathe in-mouth clos
ed-deep and full. Hold the breath
little while. Exhale slowly through
small opening of lips.
Repeat the exercise two or three or
more times. Keep the neck muscles
always relaxed-loose and free Form
the habit of deeper breathing than
you have been accustomed to. Many
notifications of the above simple ex-
ercise could be given for the develop
ment of various abilities and will
be given for practice, II desired.
Care in the use of language is the
most important element in the i'm
provement of the voice. Most people
use language very badly. and there
fore this plea for precision and accu-
racy Study vowels and consonants.
Read this line aloud:--a e o u. Did
It sound well? Read it again, listen
ing carefully. Now 1t was better.
Reading aloud is excellent practice
for accuracy and distinctness.
Practice yourself, for Heavens
sake. in little things."-Epictetus.
Everyone should study FIRST, deep
breathing. and breath control, and the
perfect relaxation Of jaw, neck and
throat. These, together with the study
OF vowels and consonants, and care in
the use of language, will be of great
beneft to every voice user, improving
the voice in quality and effectiveness.
The face is a revealer of character.
So Is the voice. A good character
should reveal itself through the voice
as we'll as otherwise and 30 It be-