Danielle B. Alibangbang 9-Iron

1. SPEECH CHOIR
Danielle B. Alibangbang 9-Iron

2. SPEECH CHOIR
 Speech choirs are performance groups that recite
speeches in unison, often with elements of
choreography and costuming to help bring the
speech to life. Much like musical choirs, dynamic --
volume -- range, expression and accurate
coordination of syllables are all important for a
successful performance. Speech choirs date back
to ancient Greece, where they were an integral part
of most plays.

3. MEMBERS
 A speech choir is typically the same size as a
singing choir, having anywhere from 12 to 100
members or more. However, most schools and
competitions feature choirs of 25 to 40 members.
The choirs typically are divided into groups based
on the members' natural speaking voices. Females
with naturally high voices or young females
comprise the "light" group, females with deeper
voices and young males or males with high voices
comprise the "medium" group and males with deep
voices comprise the "dark" group.

4. PIECE
 Selections are typically poems or poetic passages,
such as from Greek dramas or Shakespeare's
plays. The conductor gives some thought to the
passage, breaking it into parts that, for example,
only the "light" voices recite or strong passages that
are voiced by all the members. Facial expressions
and intonation are also carefully planned, so all the
members can practice in unison. Solo parts for
specific members can add dramatic effect.

5. CHOREOGRAPHY
 Choreography of movement is not a necessary
component for a speech choir. Many successful
competition choirs recite their pieces while standing in
place with their hands at their sides, attention directed
solely at the conductor. However, in the Greek tradition,
speech choirs marched from side to side in alternating
patterns called "strophe" and "antistrophe." Thus,
movement is part of the rich history of speech choir, and
some conductors choose to choreograph elaborate
movement to accompany their pieces.
Read more
: http://www.ehow.com/info_8579675_elements-speech-
choir.html

6. COSTUMING
 As with any other performance art, thought should
be put into how the speech choir will dress.
Costumes can be as simple as matching outfits or
robes, such as a vocal choir would wear, or
elaborate theatrical garb. Plain uniforms allow the
audience to concentrate on facial expressions and
allow the choir to recite several very different pieces
in one performance. However, a themed costume
for a single piece can highlight its meaning or help
to differentiate between voice groups.