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| Обмен информацией о музыкальных конкурсах и их обсуждение / Конкурсы народников, вокалистов, хоровые / Keeping the Folk Fire Burning: Why Rest Matters as Much as Rehearsal |
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hammer121212 Группа: Участники Сообщений: 1 |
Добавлено: 15-05-2025 07:32 |
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I still remember the first time I stood on stage at a youth folk singing competition. I was twelve, clutching a mic with both hands, wearing a borrowed áo dài, and singing “Lý cây bông” with all the innocence and hope a child could muster. My legs trembled the whole time, but when the applause came, it was like the sun rising inside me. Since then, I’ve sung in regional, national, and international choral events — from provincial houses of culture to European folk festivals. But the lesson that took the longest to learn wasn’t about technique or stage presence. It was this: to sing with soul, you have to know how to rest your soul. Folk music is memory in motion There’s something timeless about folk songs. They’re not just notes and lyrics; they’re family stories passed through generations. When our children sing them, we’re not just preserving culture — we’re reliving it. I’ve sung lullabies once whispered in rice fields, festival chants that once echoed through village temples, and sea shanties shaped by salt and wind. Every note is a bridge — connecting the past, anchoring the present. But keeping that bridge strong takes more than practice. It takes care. The long wait behind the curtain Anyone who’s been part of a vocal contest knows: the waiting is the hardest part. You arrive early, dressed and ready. Then, you wait… and wait. Sometimes for hours. You listen to others perform. You quietly rehearse your part. You sip water. You pace. You fight the temptation to overthink. This backstage limbo can be draining. When I was younger, I thought I had to stay “in the zone” constantly — humming scales under my breath, replaying lyrics in my mind. But over time, I realized something: that level of tension doesn’t help. It wears you down before you even sing. So I began experimenting. What if I allowed myself to truly relax before performing? My unexpected ritual: a little laughter before the stage That’s where small rituals came in. A deep breath. A silly drawing in my notebook. A few moments with a comfort snack. Or — and this might surprise you — a quick round of a mobile game. Not just any game, though. I stumbled upon something absurdly hilarious one afternoon before a regional choral showcase. It’s called crazy cattle 3d, and it’s as ridiculous as it sounds. Basically, you control sheep (yes, sheep) that ram into each other in chaotic little battles. I swear I laughed out loud in the corner of the dressing room. For five minutes, I wasn’t a nervous singer. I was just a person, giggling over digital sheep mayhem. That small break, that tiny burst of silliness, helped me center myself more than any warm-up routine ever did. I walked on stage afterward feeling loose, light, and unexpectedly joyful. Rest is resistance — especially in performance culture In the world of youth performance, there’s often an unspoken pressure to always be “on.” Always rehearsing, always improving, always aiming higher. But the truth is: rest is not laziness. It's preparation. I’ve seen young singers break down in tears after forgetting lyrics. I’ve seen groups fall out of harmony because everyone’s too tense to breathe together. And I’ve been there myself — pushing too hard, missing the joy. These days, when I mentor younger performers, I remind them: your body is your instrument, and every instrument needs tuning… and pausing. A few gentle pre-performance habits I now swear by Step away from the room: If possible, take five minutes outside. Let your eyes rest on something green. Let the air reset your nerves. One grounding breath: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Repeat three times. It's magic. Laugh, if you can: Whether it’s a meme, a silly inside joke, or yes, a sheep-fighting game like crazy cattle 3d — let your mind play before your voice does. Don’t compare: You are not competing with other voices. You’re offering yours. That shift in mindset changes everything. Folk music is a gift, not a performance At the end of the day, we return to why we sing folk music at all. Not for applause. Not for medals. But for the way it makes us feel whole. Singing is a gift we offer — to the audience, to the past, and to ourselves. When we sing in harmony, we become more human. When we rest well before we sing, we become better humans. So whether you’re preparing for the next “Silver Star” festival, joining a school ensemble, or watching your child rehearse in the living room — remember that rest, laughter, and lightness are part of the journey. Sometimes the best warm-up isn't a scale. Sometimes it's a silly game about sheep. |
| Страницы: 1 |
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| Обмен информацией о музыкальных конкурсах и их обсуждение / Конкурсы народников, вокалистов, хоровые / Keeping the Folk Fire Burning: Why Rest Matters as Much as Rehearsal |