The Effect of Singing Mode and Seating Arrangement on Choral Blend and Overall Choral Sound

Abstract

This study is an examination of the effects of soloistic versus blended choral singing and random versus acoustic choral seating arrangements on evaluations of choral blend and overall choral sound. Thirty-seven choral conductors, 33 voice teachers, and 32 nonvocal musicians rated performances of four pieces by a choir of 22 voice majors. Eight choristers were recorded individually during choral performances and solo, and their vocal production was evaluated by 12 voice teachers. Choristers rated experimental conditions for vocal comfort and choral sound. Results indicated that choral conductors preferred blended singing over soloistic singing. No significant singing mode preference, however, was found in choral evaluations by voice teachers and nonvocal musicians. Voice teachers ranked individual vocal production in blended choral singing lower than in soloistic choral singing, and both choral singing modes lower than solo singing. Acoustic seating positively affected evaluations of choral performance, individual vocal production, and choristers' vocal comfort and choral sound ratings.