You have to be willing to sound like a fool.
I woke up with my voice an octave lower than usual – the combination of leading long rehearsals, reconnecting with old friends, and a dry hotel room. My voice was tired.
So about two hours before rehearsal started I began the long process of gently exercising and warming my voice with lip trills and gentle head voice work – much of it as I walked hallways full of students.
As I told the Wisconsin All-State Vocal Jazz students, my inspiration came 20+ years ago from the trumpet professor at my undergrad, who walked into the music building every day buzzing, warming his embouchure as he passed dozens of music majors.
He was more than willing to make strange sounds in public because he knew the benefit. I took it to heart, and I smiled as I made my own funny noises this morning. The exercising worked – my voice was ready to work when rehearsal started – and I reminded my students that if there’s something you really want, you should be willing to take whatever steps necessary to make it happen.
Go ahead, sound like a fool. Make funny noises in public. And then reap the benefits.