Every Michigan conductor I know has to spend time combatting the Michigan accent – wide vowels, lowered soft palette, nasal. Generally the conductor will do an exaggerated imitation, but I’ve found a better solution.
Ladies and gentlemen, our Governor, Rick Snyder, sports the Michiganniest Michigan accent I’ve ever heard.
Next time you hear the Michigan slipping out of your choir, play them a minute of Rick Snyder talking. They’ll fix their tone in a hurry.