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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