To: "VOCALIST" <vocalist>
Subject: Re: Cheerleading (was Do's & Don'ts)
Date sent: Thu, 13 Jan 2000 12:36:09 -0000
Organization: American College Health Foundation
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

TinaO wrote: "What would be any long term effects from such activity as cheerleading? Thx"

Sorry, Tina. Guess I should have been more specific. I have yet to meet a cheerleader who is silent. :>) In other words, it's the "cheering" that can be possibly damaging to the voice. The physical exercise is great but often the cheering is yelling and shouting and where I live, in the cold
air. All not good for the voice. And, it's not good, supported sound. Much is right from the throat. Yikes!

A fellow voice teacher has a high school student, a tenor, with a marvelous voice who is hoarse all the time because he is the captain of the football team and is constantly shouting to his fellow team members. She is very concerned about him because there are signs (audibly) of real damage.
It's a tough choice for some of these young people because they want to enjoy their high school activities. And, even if they try to be careful, it's hard not to abuse the voice in these venues.

Just my opinion, but I think it's worth at least cautioning our young students about these possible dangers.

Marthea