How to Prepare for Your Next Concert: Top 3 Tips from the Artistic Director of the Australian Girls Choir
As choristers across Australia gear up for our upcoming Winter Showcase performances, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share some essential concert preparation tips from our Artistic Director, Vicki King. Whether you’re part of the Australian Girls Choir (AGC), a school choir, or have a performance coming up, these tips will help you perform at your best and ensure a memorable experience for both performers and audience members.
1. Singing with confidence: expression, engagement and authenticity
“Performance is about more than just hitting the right notes — it’s about expressing emotion, engaging meaningfully with the concert material, and sharing something beautiful with an audience.” – Vicki King
We encourage choristers to practise their performance items at home, ideally in a space with good acoustics. Trusting in their training is key, and they should focus not only on technique but also on enjoying the music, breathing deeply, delivering the stories in their music and performing with authenticity and joy.
Additionally, whilst it’s tempting to imitate other singers, true artistry comes from cultivating one’s own unique voice. Imitating someone else’s style can mean we use our voice in unnatural ways and thus strain the vocal cords. It’s important for our girls to develop and embrace their own sound.
2. Rest and hydration: the foundation of vocal health
“I encourage all of our singers to aim for a full night of sleep, especially the night before the concert.” – Vicki King
Before any performance, vocal health is a top priority. One of the most important factors in preparing for a concert is getting enough rest. A well-rested body will allow us to function at our best both physically and mentally. Lack of sleep can lead to vocal fatigue, and we want to avoid that!
Staying hydrated is equally important. The vocal cords are like delicate instruments, and they need to stay lubricated to produce their best sound. Choristers are encouraged to drink plenty of water throughout the week, especially in the days leading up to the performance. For our older choristers, avoiding caffeinated beverages is also recommended, as they can dehydrate the body.
3. Protecting your voice: avoiding vocal strain
“In the days leading up to the concert, encourage choristers to avoid behaviours like yelling, screaming, or talking too loudly.” – Vicki King
When preparing for a concert, it’s essential to protect your voice from unnecessary strain. Whilst it’s tempting to belt out your favourite songs or shout with friends, these activities can put stress on the vocal cords and lead to vocal fatigue or hoarseness.
Similarly, when practising songs, it’s important not to sing too loudly or forcefully. Over-singing can cause tension and affect the tone quality, which we want to avoid. Instead, focus on singing at a comfortable volume whilst maintaining relaxed breath support and clear articulation. If your voice starts to feel strained, it’s a good idea to take a break and come back to the music with fresh energy at a later time.
“I am so proud of all the hard work that each of our singers has put into the preparation of our upcoming Winter Showcases. With rest, hydration, mindful vocal habits, and confidence in their voices, I know they will each give an incredible performance.” – Vicki King
Register your daughter for a free Trial Class and learn how the AGC prepares our choristers for incredible performances.
