ERIC Number: EJ1229822
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Oct
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4294
EISSN: N/A
Effects of Choir Spacing and Riser Step Heights on Acoustic and Perceptual Measures of SATB Choir Sound Acquired from Four Microphone Positions in Two Performance Halls
Daugherty, James F.; Grady, Melissa L.; Coffeen, Robert C.
Journal of Research in Music Education, v67 n3 p355-371 Oct 2019
We assessed the effects of singing in two venues on acoustic and perceptual measures of performances by an SATB choir (N = 28) as it sang in three spacing conditions, on two different riser unit heights, with data acquired from four microphone locations in each hall. Among primary acoustic results, long-term average spectra measures yielded a systematic pattern of significant contrasts between close and spread spacing conditions, with decreasing high-frequency energy as space between singers increased, regardless of venue, riser unit, or microphone location. Unlike previous findings with 12-in. (0.30-m) riser step heights, a doubled 16-in. (0.41-m) height did not enhance this pattern. Primary perceptual results were as follows: (a) All choristers (100%) thought spread singer spacing facilitated best hearing of their own voices in relation to the rest of the ensemble. (b) Nearly all singers (96%) reported their most comfortable vocal production in spread spacing. (c) All choristers thought the doubled riser step heights influenced choral sound, but 78% described vocal production as most comfortable with spread spacing on the regular riser unit. We discuss results in terms of implications for choral pedagogy and directions for future research.
Descriptors: Singing, Group Activities, Acoustics, Audio Equipment, Performance, Space Utilization, College Students, Student Attitudes
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A