Shalayna G. Mckinney 3

Why are good singing and good posture strongly interrelated?

        Good singing and good posture are strongly interrelated because the body functions best when these two factors exist.  When singing, free airflow works hand in hand with good posture. If one has a sunken chest while singing, the air is not able to move as freely as it should.  Next, the vibrator and resonators of the vocal instrument need good posture to properly function without tension. Good posture can have an effect on ones confidence level. When the singer has practiced good posture, it will become second nature in performance. In addition, when the performer has good posture the audience will be more at ease during the performance. Lastly, as singers our body is our instrument. In order to sing well we need to be in good health and posture can lead us there. Good posture allows our bodies to have proper blood circulation that help out our organs.

What are the basic functions of the skeleton and muscles?

 The basic functions of the skeleton are to support, protect, and give shape to the body. The main basic functions of the muscles are to produce movement and to assist in positioning the body.

What are the adjectives that the author suggests for good posture?

  The adjective that the author suggests for good posture are: buoyant, expansive, erect, alert, free to move, vibrant, flexible, poised, tall, loose, free, happy, and balanced.

Excessive        tension                        must be recognized and      avoided        .

 Define tonus.

  Tonus: A normal state of slight continuous tension in muscle tissue which facilitates its response to stimulation.

What is McKinney’s description of good posture?

 Good posture is a unified configuration of the body which include the feet, legs, knees, hips and buttocks, all parts of the abdomen, back, chest, shoulders, arms and hands, and the head. We must be so good at posture that it becomes a habit.

What are the two types of postural faults?

Alignment faults and tensional faults

 Define muscle.

 Muscle: A tissue that is composed of cells that are capable of contraction and relaxation to produce movement

What is the difference between the origin and insertion of a muscle?

 Origin of the muscle is the less moveable part. The insertion of the muscle is the more moveable part.

In which direction do muscles pull? How many directions do muscles pull?

 Muscles pull in one direction, which is determined by what they are attached to.

How do we use muscles to stabilize parts of the body?

 There are different groups of muscles that have their own job. Opposing groups of muscles often are brought into use simultaneously to stabilize some part of the body to function effectively.

What do muscles need in order to work most efficiently?

 In order for muscles to more most efficiently they need to be given frequent opportunities to relax.

What happens when muscles are held in tension for too long?

When muscles are help in tension for too long they will begin to work against you. Some examples include trembling, quivering, shaking, or muscle spasms.

What are the two primary clues to tensional faults?

Two primary clues to tensional faults:

1.     Some form of trembling, quivering, or shaking

2.     Rigidity