Rachel,
As a former slow breather myself, I've learned that one of the dangers of
attempting those long runs is that in attempting to "tank up" you can
actually stack the breath (that is, not fully release the air from the last
inhalation before taking another). After a while you're literally choking on
air!
While practicing the runs, sing until you absolutely can't sing another note,
and then puff out a little breath of air, while maintaining the singing
position (palate high, jaw dropped etc). After you exhale that puff of air, a
fresh supply of air will automatically flow into your lungs. You don't even
have to inhale--because as we all learned in science class, nature abhors a
vacuum.
Once this sort of breathing starts to feel more natural to you (and it may
take a while) you will find that you have more breath for all of your
phrases, and it's easier to take an inconspicuous "sip" of air whenever you
need it.
This sort of breathing is more of a reflexive action (automatic, even
machine-like) than the long, careful breath that young singers often feel is
necessary.
My teacher calls it valve-like. I've found it to be much more efficient and
actually very energizing too. It's much easier to keep the propulsive,
forward motion that you need for the runs in Rejoice.
Good luck with it!
Judy
|
|  |
