Two MNPS middle school chorus teachers presented at the Tennessee Music Educators Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee last week. Mrs. Nita Smith of I.T. Creswell Arts Magnet Middle School and Mr. Franklin Willis of W.H. Oliver Middle School presented to over 50 music educators from across the state of Tennessee about the importance of “Using Physical Warm-Ups for Vocal Success”. For more information about the conference, please visit http://tnmea.org/Conference.

1. Mrs. Nita Smith, I.T. Creswell Arts Magnet Middle School
&
Mr. Franklin J. Willis, W.H. Oliver Middle School
Metro Nashville Public Schools
2012 TMEA Convention , Chattanooga, TN
Friday, April 13, 2012,
CCC Room 7-8

5. 16 Beat Rhythm Exercise
• Speak the rhythm using Takademi
syllables.
• Clap the rhythm while speaking
syllables.
• Clap the rhythm without speaking.
• Assign body percussion for each
note.
• Example (eighth note=clap) (quarter
note=stomp) (half note=snake)
(whole note-robot)
• Teacher models for students.
• Students and Teacher complete
together.
• Students alone!
• NOW it is time for CREATIVITY!

6. Video Example

7. Applying Rhythm to Vocal Warm Up
*Students can sing on neutral syllable “la”*
*Students can use the number system*
*Students can use solfeggio syllables*

8. VIDEO EXAMPLE # 2

9. Benefits of Physical Warm-ups:
It fosters a positive A great transition to segue
classroom environment naturally into the
It helps singers to get in vocalization period
tune with their bodies Refines listening skills
Movement stimulates
creativity Focuses concentration
Models & guides students Reinforces technique
to make musical Warm-ups serve as a link to
connections of their own curriculum standards &
Moving to music is fun! repertoire

10. Did you say FUN in the classroom?
F is for Functional
U is for Understanding
N is for Nurturing

11. Sooooo…Physical Warm-Ups Can:
Activate the Singing Voice
Mental Focus
Energize Students
Vocal Teaching & Technique
Target & Fix Problems
Improve Choral Tone & Blend
Classroom Management

12. Using Physical Warm-Ups for
Vocal Success
Mrs. Nita Smith
I.T. Creswell Arts Magnet Middle
Nita.Smith@mnps.org
Mr. Franklin J. Willis
W.H. Oliver Middle
Franklin.Willis@mnps.org