Alisha Reeve MUSE 365 Choral Methods Citation Directing the Choral Music Program Chapter 15: Energizing

g the Choral Warm-up Kenneth H. Phillips 2004 Discussion What is meant by portamento, and how is this technique sung? Portamento is a technique where a given vowel is slightly slurred over two or more pitches. Often this means have very controlled breath support. In Italian, portare means to carry. When performing a portamento it is important to think of carrying the vowel up or down to the next not. It is much more controlled and less dramatic than a glissando. This is term that has been covered extensively in my private voice lessons. We do several vocalizes that contain portamentos. I think that as a concept it is very important for students to know the technique, how to execute it, and how it differs from glissando. I also believe that a choral music educator should be able to accurate model concepts sure as portamento. This chapter is very useful in providing exercises that cover important concepts and vocal techniques. It will be a key resource when repertoire contains concepts that I need an exercise to teach.