Abstract
This chapter reports on a study into the vocal behaviours of male choristers in the United Kingdom. It reflects on the challenge these boys face in giving performances of a professional standard on a daily basis. Issues to be considered include the younger age of the onset of adolescent male voice mutation, the performance-related stress associated with participation in ‘high profile’ events, (such as live television broadcasts) and the academic pressure placed on boys in their school settings. In particular, this study enabled a comparative assessment of the influence of environment (boarding school) and activity (chorister training). The chapter explores how the intensive timetable of singing activity results in the boys performing at the peak of their vocal ability.
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Williams, J. (2012). Cathedral Choirs in the United Kingdom: The Professional Boy Chorister. In: Harrison, S., Welch, G., Adler, A. (eds) Perspectives on Males and Singing. Landscapes: the Arts, Aesthetics, and Education, vol 10. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2660-4_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2660-4_9
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