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Essentials in
Performance Skills
Lay the groundwork for interpretation
The meaning of the song begins before a note is sung. Ways of setting the stage.
Updated: 9/24/2003 5:31:00 PM
by David Leeder, Presentation judge, coach
To properly interpret a song, you must go beyond your feelings about the music and try to get into the audience's head and heart -- interpretation is the care and feeding of the audience. What you feel isn't as important as what you can get the audience to feel. You must give information about the story and develop meaningful, natural transitions from one thought or emotion to another. Your focus is communication, on being the "humble servant of the music" and "the faithful messenger of the composer."
View the auditory and visual aspects of your performance as one and the same
When most groups talk about their "interpretation plan," they primarily discuss what the audience will hear. This is partly because we have traditionally called what is heard "interpretation" and what is seen "stage presence."
However, audiences don't see your performance that way: either what they see and hear makes for a great performance or it doesn't. You can't have strong interpretation but flat stage presence, or vice versa& -- you either sold the song to the audience or you didn't. Unless the visual and auditory elements are in place and in synch, your audience won't be satisfied. Therefore, as a performer, you must seamlessly blend these two elements into a powerful presentation.
This article primarily addresses the auditory aspect of interpretation; many times, however, this "interpretive plan" will create the stage presence needed to create a complete, satisfying performance.
Play close attention to song selection
The music you choose to sing will ultimately determine your personality with the audience. Choose songs that emphasize the strengths of your skill level and talents. There is no reward for effort in a train wreck. Choose wisely.
Is the song really "you?"
What do you wish to do with the song? That's a good question, but a better question is, "What do you want the song to do for the audience?" The song is a vehicle for you to convey some thoughts, ideas, emotions or shared moments. It might simply serve as an escape from daily cares for your audience. Have you tailored the song to your strengths and your message, or have you simply tried to perform it the way another quartet or chorus does it? (Attempt the latter at your own peril!) Does this song fit your ensemble's personality? Does it reflect how you want the audience to remember you?
Choose a musical theme to sell the song
The musical theme is the principal musical statement of the song and arrangement. What are you trying to sell in a particular section: Lyrics? Rhythm? Melody? Harmony? Comedy? A medley? Or are you trying to sell a combination of themes, such as a lyric-driven verse with a rhythmic treatment of the chorus/refrain? You need to know which musical statement you're trying to sell, and you need to stick with it until the song calls for a change in theme. Just remember that too many changes can disrupt the audience's ability to follow your song. Don't try to go Rhythm-Lyric-Rhythm-Lyric in the first five measures!
Identify the emotional theme (what's it about?)
What will be communicated to the audience in emotional terms? What do you want the song to convey, or more important, what emotion do you want the audience to feel? Use a short, simple sentence: "This is a song about love." "This is a song about going home." "This song builds excitement." "This is about the love of one's mother." All would be super answers -- but not if they all apply to the same song! Use the song's single theme as a filter for everything you do to interpret it.
Begin your interpretation at the end of the song
Answer this question: "At the end of the song, I want the audience to feel _________." Notice that the question was not, "How will I feel?" The illusion about how your ensemble feels is important, the audience's feeling at the end of the song is the focus. Seek the strongest emotion possible. "Nice" or "Okay" or "Feeling sorry for me" are not good answers. "Tremendous love for their mothers," "a deep yearning to go home," "to stand up and cheer," "a quiet, tender love," or "a deep sadness," "to march off to war for their country" -- all would be great answers.
Now that you know what the end should look like, you can begin interpreting the rest of the song with purpose, design, and the intention to "serve the music."
You'll be a stronger performer if you plan carefully and are aware of the needs of the audience. When you focus on yourself, focus on being the messenger and giver of the music.
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