The Perfect Blend: Over 100 Seriously Fun Vocal Warm-Ups.(Book review)

* The Perfect Blend: Over 100 Seriously Fun Vocal Warm-Ups, by Timothy Seelig. Music Sales Corp. (445 Bellvale Rd., P.O. Box 572, Cester, NY 10918), 2005. 158pp. $24.95.

In The Perfect Blend, Timothy Seelig, has compiled a comprehensive collection of vocal warm-ups that engage voice, body and mind. Although intended for choral warm-ups, including many that require two singers to execute, voice teachers will find this book a handy resource of familiar and innovative exercises that provide healthy and imaginative training. Seelig also shares his leadership and organizational skills necessary to build and sustain a successful choral program.

The book is divided into three parts: "The Voice," "The Choir" and a wonderful appendix. In the introduction, Seelig prepares us for what is to come--a refreshing and frank discussion of his sensible approach to vocal and choral development ("It is not a book on voice science. No muscles or ligaments.") Part one, "The Voice," lays out exercises designed to prepare the various "parts" of the vocal instrument, such as posture, motor/breathing, vibrator/folds, registers and resonators, for the rehearsal. Each chapter begins with a straightforward sketch of the "part" in discussion. Here it is obvious that Seelig has expertise in the science of singing, but he concentrates on practical information as he proceeds with the The pages are filled with photographs and descriptions presented in a clear and entertaining manner. Several of the warm-ups engage the full body (the bowling octave, the swimming breath) and many engage parts of the body, all helpful to energizing weary choristers who bring the trials of the day into ...