Mixin' it Up

Last night at rehearsal, our conductor mixed us up part-wise. Instead of sitting in sections of parts (all altos together, all sopranos together, etc.), different parts were spread throughout the chorus. We actually do this a fair amount. A lot of people don't like singing "mixed up", but I love it. For last night's rehearsal, we actually were with at least one person who sang our part, and then another two of a different part.

I find that when we are mixed up, it's easier for me to sing the way I normally sing, instead of trying to always blend with what I hear around me. It's also easier to make sure the pitch is correct. I was standing next to two sopranos that are almost always right on pitch. I'm able to tell if I am on pitch by listening to them. Listening...I think that is the key to singing mixed up. If you listen to the other parts, it's easier for you to stay on pitch, and even make proper entrances.

I guess some folks don't like singing mixed up because it does force you to sing out. It also forces you to know your part, because there are no "section leaders" (people who know the part and tend to sing loud), to rely on. I like that...it makes me work a bit harder and helps me figure out what I really need to work on. We'll see if we stay mixed up for this concert. I hope so, it makes it much easier for me to sing well!