Voice Portfolio - Entry 5

Vocal Development Programme – Entry 05
Date	Wednesday 24th February 2016
Exercise Used	Two ‘National Theatre’ Vocal Warmup Workshop Videos: Breathing - http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/video/vocal-warm-up-1-breathing Resonance - http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/video/vocal-warm-up-2-resonance
Vocal Characteristics	Pre-Exercise: -          Raspy -          Crisp -          Throat Resonated Post-Exercise: -          Articulate -          Breathy -          Cheat Resonated
Vocal Reflection	I found these warmup videos very helpful and efficient in telling me how to improve breathing and resonance control.  These exercises helped we deeply with: -          Breath Control -          Muscle Control/Warmups (particularly with the lungs, diaphragm, and vocal folds) -          Posture -          Pitch and Tone Variations (this was my area for improvement from the previous session, and breath control and throat resonance supported my adaptability). -          Articulation Delivery -          Pacing -          and Removed Areas of Tension.
Received Feedback	I did notice a considerable amount of difference in my vocal delivery post-exercise; not only could I breathe and resonate to a better extent, I felt extremely comfortable during and after the exercises.  I was able to warmup multiple areas of my body, in and out, I found comfort and relaxation so there were no tensions throughout rehearsals and vocal delivery.
Strengths	-          Breath Control -          Muscle Movement -          Posture -          Articulation -          and Variation Adaptability.
Areas of Improvement	Volume – while the majority of these exercises were positive and beneficial, I did particularly notice that there was often a lack of volume in my vocal delivery.  An area for improvement, especially if these exercises would be used for performance preparation.

Voice Portfolio - Entry 4

Vocal Development Programme – Entry 04
Date	Thursday 4th February 2016
Exercise Used	Alexander Technique and Rubber Chicken
Vocal Characteristics	Pre-Audio Ensemble Performance: -          Silent   -          Nasal -          and Clipped Post-Audio Ensemble Performance: -          Low in Tone -          Throat Resonated -          and Articulate
Vocal Reflection	Alexander Technique – this exercise support both an individual’s vocal and physical posture.  The method of the technique has you lying on the floor, knees up, back straight, hands by your side, and head slightly raised (with the support of a book).  The idea of this exercise is to find physical relaxation.  After a short period of time of rest, taking a spin roll upwards to standing, the individual can adapt their physical being to a new state out of tradition.  Performers use this technique use this method to help them embrace their character’s physical being.  In my case, I used the Alexander Technique to find relaxation and remove any unwanted tensions, in time for my audio ensemble performance.   Rubber Chicken – alternatively to the Alexander Technique, this exercise is more of a drama warmup game.  The idea behind Rubber Chicken, similarly to Alexander Technique, is to prepare performers physically and vocally.  Physically you are shaking out your entire body, warming every inch of you up.  Vocally you are projecting a countdown for the amount of times you shake out, for example you count down from eight on each arm and leg, then from four, then two, then one, before shaking out your entire body belching “rubber chicken” vocally.  The pitch and tone of your voice can be chosen by you, my preferred variation is deep and low, to really push energy through your body, via the diaphragm, and test you vocal fold adaptability.  I personally like to use this game to warmup before every performance.
Received Feedback	The overall response, post-Audio Ensemble Performance, was a positive.  I personally felt I achieved to the best of my ability when it came to infliction, articulation, pacing, and breath control.
Strengths	Articulation Breath Control Infliction Pacing and Posture
Areas of Improvement	Pitch and Tone Range – perhaps one area, that wasn’t a main concern for me, that could benefit from some exercise support would be working on my pitch and tone adaptability.  While I feel I did the best I could in the Audio Ensemble performance, I do feel I stuck to one tone, and had weak pitch variation ability.  Therefore for my next practice session, I hope to find a technique that can support this area of vocal performance.

Voice Portfolio - Entry 3

Vocal Development Programme – Entry 03
Date	Wednesday 27th January 2016
Exercise Used	Facial and Throat Physical Warmups:
Vocal Characteristics	Precise – using these exercises, during both Restoration and Audio Ensemble rehearsals, I ensured clarity in my breath control and articulation. Strong – consisted through my throat resonators I captivated strong pitch and tone state.
Vocal Reflection	Lacking Tension Points – these exercises were extremely beneficial, when it came to removing tension points, particularly in the facial and throat captivities. Throat Massage/Warmup Benefits – this exercise supported my breath control/capacity, articulation and diction, and projection.  It was in this exercise that I was able to warm up both my vocal folds and larynx.  This released carbon dioxide, expelling old concealed bad energy, and inhaling new and better energy to benefit the body.
Received Feedback	Feedback given during Restoration and Audio Ensemble Rehearsals: -          Strong Delivery -          Gave Precise Articulation -          Supported Vocal Infliction.
Strengths	Breath Control Finding Relaxation Articulation
Areas of Improvement	Standing Posture – while these warmups supported my facial and throat captivities, where I found relaxation and perfected my vocal performance focusing on those areas, I still found unwanted tensions within my standing posture.  Therefore for future exercises I aim to focus on physical exercises/warmups that supporting my entire standing posture. Pacing – these warmups, however, did not support my pacing during the rehearsal sessions.  While I kept at an average pace, good enough for the rehearsals, I did hesitate and struggle with key line delivery that needed to at a fast pace.  Therefore I aim to find new techniques that can support this area in particular.

Voice Portfolio - Entry 2

Vocal Development Programme – Entry 02
Date	Tuesday 19th January 2016
Exercise Used	Breath Control and Humming (to warmup my vocal folds and support vocal delivery in rehearsals).
Vocal Characteristics	Breathy – more inhales and exhales through the mouth. Precise – clarity and pacing in speech. Deep – throat resonated delivery.
Vocal Reflection	Posture – Slouched, laid back, and relaxed. Tension Points – Lower back and shoulders. Breathing Capacity and Control – Throat resonated and projected through the mouth at an average pace. Resonance and Projection – A better paced and controlled speech pattern. Diction and Articulation – While slurred in certain words, I was often clear and precise in my delivery. Delivery – Clear, well-paced, and to a low whisper level.
Received Feedback	Feedback given during Restoration Rehearsals: -          Clear -          Adaptable -          Strong -          Emotions inflicted to a good extent.
Strengths	Breath Control Articulation Adaptability
Areas of Improvement	Posture – often finding myself leaning on one side, or slouching, I need to find a strong upright posture to further support my projection and ensure constant articulation.   Articulation – to ensure I do not mumble or slur any lines during rehearsals or performance. Practice Other Resonations – I had constant throat resonation within my speech this week and I aim to focus on chest and nasal captivity to see if there are any improvements.