Choir Review

Flashcards of Choir Review and Notes

Foundation

The essential components of any piece that keeps the song from falling apart. (Pitch, rhythm, intonation, tempo)

Balance

Balance between sections in a choir.

Blend

Balance within a section in a choir.

Tone

Quality of sound.

Phrasing

Structure of a sequence of notes that allows for expression.

Modulation

A change in the key of a musical piece.

Dynamics

Volume in music.

Ritardando

To gradually slow down in music.

Chromatic

Relating to notes not belonging to the diatonic scale of the key.

Crossed Voices

A part that is generally higher going lower than a generally lower part and vice versa.

Intonation

Being in tune.

Dynamic Contrast

The difference in dynamics throughout a piece.

Terraced Dynamics

Increase in dynamic level due to the inclusion of additional voices or parts.

Syllabic Stressing / Syllabification

Stressing of certain syllables in a word or phrase.

Unison

One sound, all together.

Form

The way something is built; the structure or pattern.

Ledger Lines

Additional lines that indicate pitches above or below the staff.

Treble Clef

Also known as “G Clef.”

Bass Clef

Also known as “F Clef.”

Whole Rest

Rest for 4 beats.

Half Rest

Rest for 2 beats.

Flags and Hooks

Cuts the value of the note in half.

Beam

Connects two eight notes.

Dot

Adds half the value of the note.

Ghost Note

Rhythmic notes with no pitch (claps).

Breath Mark

Tells you to take a breath.

Sesura / Caesura

Pause, Latin for cutting.

Flat

Lowers a note by a half step.

Sharp

Raises a note by a half step.

Natural

Cancels a sharp or a flat.

Common Time

4/4 Time.

Tie

Connects two notes to act as one.

Slur

Two or more notes for one word or syllable.

Glissando

Glide from note to note, including the pitches in between.

Tuplet / Irrational Rhythm or Grouping

Triplets that would not normally fit into the rhythmic space they occupy.

Piano

Soft.

Forte

Loud.

Sforzando

Start strong and die off, then gradually grow back.

Crescendo

Gradually get louder.

Decrescendo / Dimineundo

Gradually get softer.

Coda

Ending.

Anacrusis

Pick-up note.

Solfedge

The system we use to read pitch.

Down-Up System

The system we use to read rhythm.

Posture

The way you stand and position yourself for optimal singing.

Accidental

A sharp, flat, or natural outside of the key signature.

Inverted

Reverse Vowels, Diphthongs, and Rules