The classic David Mamet script Glengarry Glen Ross features a memorable speech (delivered by Alec Baldwin in the movie) about selling that includes the line “Always be closing.”
Choirs, who don’t need to worry about closing a sale, should instead be sure to always be memorizing.
Memorization always comes too late in the process – often just before the concert, or only when the director demands it of the choir. Instead, choir singers should start right away with informal testing and experimentation in rehearsal. Can I sing without looking at my music for a whole phrase? Two phrases? All of page 6? Small, discrete (and discreet) self-testing helps the singer’s brain begin to memorize early, in a non-stressful way. It also helps singers to identify the spots critical to work on – the spots they haven’t yet memorized.
Listen to Alec. Always be memorizing.
