Tempos
Dynamics
Rhythm & Time
Choral Terms
100

Define "allegro"

Fast!

100

Name this symbol AND explain what it means: mp

Mezzo piano, to play at a medium-quiet level.

100

In 4/4 time signature, this note receives four full beats.

A whole note

100

When all voices sing the same pitch and rhythm at the same time, we call this _________.

Unison

200

What does "bpm" stand for?

Beats per minute

200

This word means to gradually get louder.

Crescendo

200

Explain what a tie does when placed under notes.

It combines the value of the notes' lengths.

200

The clear, unified pronunciation of words across the choir is called ___________.

Diction

300

What does it mean if the music says "subito piano"?

Get suddenly quieter.

300

Define "diminuendo"

Gradually getting quieter

300

This symbol indicates that a note should be held longer than its normal value, or until the conductor cuts you off.

Fermata

300

This word describes a sound made up of two vowel sounds blended together.

Dipthong

400

Define "largo"

Very slow

400

Name this symbol AND explain what it means: fff

Fortississimo

400

Adding a dot • to the right of a note increases its length by _______ of its original length.

1/2

400

_________________ is a vocal technique used in a choir where individual singers take turns breathing at different times during a long note or musical phrase.

Stagger breathing

500

Define "rallentando"

Gradually slowing down.

500

Define "sforzando".

To play with sudden force, power, or emphasis (translates as "suddenly forceful").
500

Commonly used in jazz, ___________ is the term for when the rhythmic emphasis falls on the weak beats instead of the strong beats.

Syncopation

500

What is a shadow vowel?

A subtle, neutral vowel sound added after a consonant at the end of a word.

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