In the off season

[WhoMe]

I used to sing all the time. In the car, at all the small community powwows, impromptu 49s, dance demonstrations etc., etc. I felt confident about the stamina, strength and voice range of my voice.

Now that it is winter, I rarely sing anymore.

At a powwow last week, the lead singer pointed at me to pick up the lead the fifth time through of a very lively intertribal song. I strained to sky at the level the song was at. I wasn't used to this. When pointed to lead the sixth time through, I shook my head "no" and the lead was passed to someone else.

As the powwow went on, the cobwebs left and my voice warmed up and became stronger and I was able to easily reach the "sky" range.

Whew!

Has this happened to you?

[LSS]

Quite common...esp. since you're not in the situation where you're singing as often in that capacity. What I've found is that I "sing differently" for leads as opposed to when I'm singing as a second. Sometimes, after I've "warmed up", I forget what I'm doing, get carried away, and lose my voice.



You ever experience this?

LSS

[WhoMe]

Quite common...esp. since you're not in the situation where you're singing as often in that capacity. What I've found is that I "sing differently" for leads as opposed to when I'm singing as a second. Sometimes, after I've "warmed up", I forget what I'm doing, get carried away, and lose my voice.



You ever experience this?

LSS

LSS,

If I lead a song, I set the tone and I like my leads to be strong and clear.

If I am at a drum where we sing full sets of songs, like in Oklahoma, I pace myself so that I can contribute for the entire duration.

If we are set up at the Gathering or Denver March and are only going to sing once or twice per session/day - I go for it!