Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-24
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and keep under control these many
functions.
To get an idea what the vocal cords
are like, think of them as two inner
lips, which open and shut as the
breath flows through them and feel we
must make it as easy as possible for
them by not forcing as small an amount
of breath through them as possible,
but keep up an even pressure so
steady tone can be produced.
The palate, tongue and larynx make
a tiny nozzle by which you can direct
the breath to any particular resonant
! ing surface in the cavities of the head
/ like small boy with garden hose.
/ This is what affects the tone. The
breath as it leaves the nozzle is di-
vided, one stream playing on the pal
ate, the other reaching into the head
cavities.
This division occurs in every voice,
from the thrilling soprano and high
tenor down to the deep rumble of the
bass, and the tone depends on the per-
son and the skill with which the
streams are used. Nearly everyone at
first makes the mistake of hurrying
and not taking the fullest advantage of
every atom of air. In other words, not
a too great pressure of air must be put
on the engine which pumps the breath
through the nozzle.
The first musical director l had took
great delight in explaining to me the
why and wherefore of every sound |
made, telling me just how it was form
ed, where it came from, what part of
the head or throat made the tone, and
why. These explanations gave me the
"fdgets" and bored me horribly when
wanted to be a grand opera prima
donna within two or three weeks, but
since then have found this knowledge
to be of priceless value. This same
old professor, when / would become
impatient at the slow progress of my
lessons and wanted to start singing
heavy operate roles, would always
chide me with the time-worn remarb
that Rome was not built in day and
neither are good voices"
This stream Of breath must be kept
playing on the proper part of the res
onating chamber until the tone is
strong and high enough to satisfy both
the singer and those who hear the sing
ing. If it is lacking in the right amount
of strength OF duration, the tone is no
perfect
Above all things, don't be preco
cious; don't be in hurry to learr
everything at once. II you get wrons
impressions at the beginning you will
find it hard to put them out of you
mind later on.
One of my girls In "The Sprin.
4 Maid" was a stenogTapher in a New
York ONCE three years ago. She fel
the call of the stage, resigned her posi-
ton and joined the chorus at a mucl
: smaller salary than she was receiyin,
with the commercial firm. At first sh,
wanted TO be a second Sarah Bern
hardt and devoted her attention to drs
matte acting and acted" at all time
and places, much to the amusement O
her friends. Later she decided .sh
had a voice and began training.
taught her breathing exercises and sh
practiced so industriously that one O
! the other members Of the chorus re
marked. That girl does nothing bu
. breathe all day long" Now she is a
! understudy, receives a most comfortabi
salary and sang a prominent role dun
ing the recent engagement of 9Th
4 Spring Maid" in New York.
In the next paper we viii go sti
4 deeper into the intricacies of vocal Gu
ture, and | wiz endeaEor TO show 20
mere things which may be learned q
4 home