Spacing, Formation, and Choral Sound: Preferences and Perceptions of Auditors and Choristers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess preferences of auditors ( N = 160) and choristers ( N = 46) relative to choral sound of an SATB high school choir in two choral formations (block sectional and mixed) and three spacings (close, lateral, and circumambient). Six conditions of a 30-second homophonic choral excerpt were sung and recorded digitally. Auditors listened to 10 pairs of randomly ordered excerpts, expressing preference for most pleasing choral sound. Choristers completed the Singer Evaluation Form. Auditor results indicated consistently significant preference for excerpts sung with spread spacing and no consistent preference for formation per se. Choristers (95.60%) thought spacing influenced their choral sound. Singers consistently and significantly preferred spread spacing and attributed to it improved vocal production and ability to better hear both self and ensemble. Results suggested that choir spacing made a greater contribution to choral sound preferences of both auditors and choristers than did choral formation.