Poly-Phonics I

Description

A collection of 19 short, contemporary vocal etudes specifically created for the training and musical education of high school-aged vocal ensembles and up. With a humorous touch, Poly-Phonics demonstrate some of the various idioms and techniques common in Western music from the Baroque to the present. Topics from diatonic chord names to syncopation to counterpoint are explored, while ensemble members become aware of musical structures and techniques as they sing.

8 Unaccompanied Etudes

• First We Sing in Major
• Long and Short
• Rhythmically United
• The One Chord
• The Walking Bass Line
• Double Trios
• Canon at One Beat
• Passacaglia

14 Accompanied Etudes

• Down and Up – Part 1 
• Down and Up – Part 2
• Arpeggios – Unison
• Arpeggios – Parts 
• Arpeggios – Bell Chords
• Minor Sounds So Blue
• Parallel Motion
• Duet
• Holding One Tone – G major
• Holding One Tone – C major
• Early on the Beat
• Late on the Beat
• Contrary Motion
• Oblique Motion

Poly-Phonics I, II & III are collections of 1 to 6-part vocal etudes that utilize many of the styles present in both popular and classical music. Because of their brevity and focus, Poly-phonics can assist in the development of balance, blend, and rhythmic articulation, among other common elements of choral singing. Useful as warmups for choral rehearsals and in theory/ear-training classes, and with a humorous touch, these vocal etudes are fun, challenging, educational, and are perfect for every choir’s small-piece repertory. They are flexible in that they may be sung by any mixtures of male and female voices, can be transposed, and changes of tempi, dynamics and diacritical markings may also be altered.