dancing
I don’t have any experience with singing/dancing. Can I still join Island Show Choir or do I need to audition?
Of course! All skill levels and experience are welcome into glee choirs without an audition. However, as choirs consist of different vocal ranges all students should be prepared to sing alone at times for the instructor to place in appropriate vocal sections.
Does Vocal Rush compete?
YES! Competitions are in the spring, and we typically attend 3-4 competitions. Last year,we competed at Danville, Manteno, Lafayette, and Glenwood.
Will I have to perform if I join Island Show Choir?
Yes, we are a performance group. However, our experienced instructors aim to teach and prepare students for performances. We strive to instill confidence and a team supportive environment.
How long is a practice?
Most of our choir practices are 2 hours in length and include 1 hour of vocal instruction and 1 hour of dance/choreography. Minuet is 1 hour per week.
Where do I purchase character shoes?
Character shoes can be purchased locally at Toes n Taps and Ellswear Dance stores. *See Handbook for more details regarding attire and costumes.
What if I am not good at dancing?
You can learn! A choreographer is hired and comes to show the whole group all the dances for the competition show. We also have dance captains (typically upperclassman students) who are selected by the director. These dance captains ensure that everyone is learning the choreography correctly and will sometimes make changes as needed for the good of the show. We have multiple rehearsals and you will learn the dancing. Pretty soon you will be doing it in your sleep!
What kind of music do we sing to?
It depends on the performance. Musical tracks are usually played for Fall Showcase and Jazz & Java. For our competition season, we have a Show Choir Band (made up of high school students) that travels and plays with us.
Are there any other performances for Vocal Rush?
Yes! We host a Fall Showcase, typically in October, which is a fundraiser for Show Choir. Parent and student involvement is essential. Vocal Rush also performs at the Fine Arts Festival in March and Jazz & Java at the end of the school year.
What if I have to miss rehearsals?
Regular attendance to rehearsals is highly encouraged and expected. All absences must be communicated and excused with instructors prior to absence in order for instructors to accommodate accordingly. Consequences of missing multiple practice could result in students not being able to perform specific songs at the next event. Attendance to rehearsals and performances is highly encouraged.
Do show choirs wear costumes when they perform?
Yes! Some costumes throughout the season will be DIY and some will be at additional costs. All efforts are made to keep costume fees down but students should expect to pay approximately $100-$150 per year (September-June) in costumes.
What inspires you to dance?
The way dance makes me feel – I can’t find anywhere else. Although dance is very visual for the audience, the dancer experiences it in a completely different way. It is our goal to share what we feel with the audience. Many professional dancers have inspired me to dance, especially my mentor Joey Dowling. Ever since I was little, I knew dance was my passion and because of that, it has always been my goal to become a professional dancer like her.
What is the difference between your Chest Voice and your Head Voice?
The terms ‘chest’ and ‘head’ voice refer to where your sound is resonating. An easy way to think about it is that your chest voice is your normal speaking voice, and the register in which most people feel naturally comfortable singing. Some instructors describe the head voice as the register you use when you’re talking in a ‘baby voice’ (the sing-song voice we sometimes use when talking to babies or adorable pets). Some singers feel that when they sing in this register, they produce a more ‘airy’ or less firm tone.
How long have you been doing choreography for show choir?
I choreographed my first show choir as a junior in high school. My junior and senior year I choreographed the 9th-grade group at my school district with my best guy friend and fellow dance captain. Professionally, I have been choreographing since 2009. I began choreographing full-time in 2014.
What do I need to bring to practices?
All students should bring binder or folder to hold sheet music, water, small snack, running shoes/character shoes and wear comfortable clothing to every practice.
How much does it cost?
The prices vary per competition. Typically, you purchase a wristband for admission either for the daytime competition only, the evening finals competition only, or the entire day (it could range from $8 to $20). Programs are also available for purchase.
If you could give advice for aspiring younger dancers, what did you discover about the industry that you would want others to know about?
I would tell them that the industry is hard, but that it’s worth it. The most important part is to remember who you are. Not just your unique qualities as a dancer, but understanding yourself as a person. Don’t let anything change that.
How can I reach my Head Voice?
It may be easier than you think! A lot of the time when people feel they’re struggling to sing well in their head voice, the real problem is psychological. Because the head voice is the register we use to sing higher notes, it’s often accompanied by a fear of singing too high, or reluctance to really give it a go in case we don’t sound perfect. Don’t overthink the process – it’s not as complicated as you may believe!
How many schools have you worked with?
Total over all time? Too many to count. This year, I’m working with 25 groups in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois, Massachusetts, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and California.
Will there be other rehearsals?
Yes. From time to time there may be additional rehearsals scheduled on a Saturday or Sunday in preparation for specific shows. This will be communicated in advanced.
Do you have to be in Choir to be in Show Choir?
No! You don’t have to be in Choir to be in Show Choir. They are two separate classes. You can take either or both!
What are your hobbies and does this help you with your dancing?
I love reading and exploring new areas. I think opening your mind to other places and ideas allows you to have more things to draw from when trying to express emotion or be creative in your dancing.
What if I can’t do it?
Keep practicing! If you feel your voice or throat restricting and are finding it difficult to reach, try talking in your baby voice again to ‘loosen up’ and relax. A tighter, tense throat will never help you sing with confidence in your head voice – in fact it may result in damage and pain!
What is the hardest part of being a choreographer?
My schedule from July through March is pretty tough. I am constantly on the road and am choreographing a new number daily. My creative brain feels totally spent at this point in the season. I crave to spend time in my own home and relax my mind! In fact, when I have a random day off every three or four weeks, I don’t leave my couch and spend the day binge-watching TV shows. Another thing about my job is I never leave work at work. I am thinking and stressing about my groups 24/7. Just when I finish one group and have a moment of relief, it’s on to the next group. Even when I force myself to turn my brain off and just watch TV, I still find myself dancing in my seat.
How should I practice at home?
Ensure you are comfortable and have good posture. You should be able to give it 100% so make sure you have time to yourself where you won’t feel like you’re disturbing anyone.
If you have a private or group singing teacher, they will give you plenty of exercises to try, but you can always practice scales and other exercises to help increase your range and open up the voice. Search YouTube for tutorials or backing tracks for scales and exercises. Ascending exercises are great for slowly and gently working higher up the scale and gaining confidence in increasing your range.
Is there a cost to be in Vocal Rush?
Students are typically asked to help contribute to the cost of the costumes that are purchased for competitions. We are fortunate that Ms. Kensek has done her best to keep this cost as minimal as possible. This past year it was $300 per student, which included two costumes. There is a payment plan that parents can utilize to pay for the costumes. First year students will have some additional costs (character shoes, tights, etc). There will be a Show Choir parent meeting before school begins to discuss the costs in detail for the school year.