Choral Singing Basic 6 Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA) Lesson Note

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Explain choral singing
• Classify choral singing
• List types of singing

Content

What is Choral Singing?

Choral singing is when a group of people sing together in harmony. The word “choir” comes from the Greek word meaning “to dance” because early choirs would dance while singing.

Classification of Choral Singing:

1. By Age: 
   1. Children’s choir
   2. Youth choir
   3. Adult choir
   4. Mixed age choir
2. By Voice Parts: 
   1. Soprano – Highest female voice
   2. Alto – Lower female voice
   3. Tenor – Higher male voice
   4. Bass – Lowest male voice
3. By Size: 
   1. Small choir (8-20 singers)
   2. Medium choir (20-60 singers)
   3. Large choir (60+ singers)

Types of Singing:

1. Solo Singing – One person sings alone
2. Duet – Two people sing together
3. Trio – Three people sing together
4. Quartet – Four people sing together
5. Choral/Group Singing – Many people sing together
6. Unison Singing – Everyone sings the same melody
7. Harmony Singing – Different voice parts sing different notes

Benefits of Choral Singing:

• Improves breathing and posture
• Develops listening skills
• Builds teamwork and cooperation
• Boosts confidence
• Creates beautiful music together

Famous Nigerian Choirs:

• MUSON Choir
• Imo State University Choir
• Various church and school choirs

Activities

• Practice singing in unison with a simple Nigerian folk song
• Try singing a simple two-part harmony
• Identify different voice types in the class
• Create a small classroom choir

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Choral singing means: a) One person singing alone b) A group of people singing together c) Playing instruments only d) Speaking in rhythm 
2. The highest female voice part is called: a) Alto b) Tenor c) Soprano d) Bass 
3. When everyone sings the same melody, it’s called: a) Harmony singing b) Solo singing c) Unison singing d) Duet singing 
4. A quartet consists of how many singers? a) Two b) Three c) Four d) Five 
5. The lowest male voice part is: a) Soprano b) Alto c) Tenor d) Bass 

Homework

Practice singing the Nigerian National Anthem with proper breathing and posture. Listen to a choir performance (at church, school, or online) and write about what you observed regarding the different voice parts and harmony.