There have been pessimistic reports about the prospects of relaxing lockdown for choirs. Mostly based on anecdotal evidence, so for this post I will put that aside and think about whether there are any benefits in not meeting others to sing.
Firstly, I can try to unlearn some of the bad technical habits that sneak in via choir rehearsals because I’m concentrating on other things.
Then, as I have no performances to prepare for, I can learn some of the unfamiliar repertoire on my shelves. My sight-singing is also getting better (particularly when it comes to singing in keys with many accidentals), thanks to Ida Carroll’s little book of exercises.
There are further benefits that have come from recording pieces on video for the church choir (and this is also planned for Bristol Choral Society). I am getting better at singing along to a backing track. Watching the results shows up more bad habits I’d been unaware of. The recordings can make instructive if uncomfortable listening too. When I’ve heard myself before, it’s been recorded at a distance with some sort of acoustic, often a flattering one. These recordings are made on a tablet resting on a music stand in front of me, and every little waver or flaw is shown up.