| From: Craig Tompkins To: VOCALIST <vocalist> Subject: Re: Folder Shoulder Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>
The Choralyre is the folder that most of us use in the Vancouver Chamber Choir. We purchased a large quantity several seasons ago before the Black Folder became available. It is light, can be held easily with one hand leaving the other one free for carrying banners, candles, ringing bells, shaking shakers, clacking clackers, snapping fingers etc., and relatively inexpensive. If you have sweaty hands (like me) the folder tends to dissolve in a relatively short time. Mac-tac or some other plastic adhesive covering will extend the life considerably. It only comes in one size I think, so if you are singing from large manuscript, there are edges of paper hanging out from your folder. If you are singing from large scores (Messiah, or St. Matthew Passion for example) the folder can get a bit bent out of shape if you are not careful. I try to use my Choralyre when I'm freelancing and on the occasions when I'm required to use another type of folder, I feel like my music is always about ready to slide out! A few years ago I developed a bad case of folder shoulder and ended up going for physio on it. Since then I've always made sure that my shoulders and upper back get a good stretch during and after rehearsals and (discreetly) performances and that I alternate hands for holding. I also include shoulder and upper back exercises in my weight training routine. Hope this is of some help! Cheers, Craig, Burnaby BC
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