How to Learn Singing “Another Hundred People” from Company

How to Learn Singing “Another Hundred People”

In this educational article, we will explore how to learn singing the song “Another Hundred People.” This popular song is from the musical “Company,” composed by Stephen Sondheim. It showcases a unique vocal technique called “sustained legato phrasing,” which is used to convey the fast-paced and bustling energy of urban life.

Understanding the Song

Before diving into learning the song, it’s essential to understand its context and meaning. “Another Hundred People” is a lively ensemble number that represents the bustling and interconnected lives of people in New York City. The song portrays the energy, complexity, and constant movement of city life.

Step 1: Vocal Warm-up and Breath Control

Begin your singing practice by warming up your voice and focusing on breath control. Singing Carrots offers a Pitch Training – Educational Singing Game that includes vocal warm-up exercises and helps you improve your breath control, pitch accuracy, and vocal range.

Step 2: Analyzing Your Voice

Understanding your voice type and vocal range is crucial for singing any song effectively. Singing Carrots provides a Voice Types article that explains the voice classification system and helps you determine your voice type. Additionally, you can take the Vocal Range Test to identify your vocal range and compare it with famous singers.

Step 3: Learning the Melody and Lyrics

Start by listening to the original recording of “Another Hundred People” to familiarize yourself with the melody. Singing Carrots’ Song Search provides a comprehensive database of songs along with their vocal range, difficulty level, and genre preference. You can use this tool to find various performances and covers of “Another Hundred People” to gather inspiration and learn different interpretations.

Step 4: Vocal Technique: Sustained Legato Phrasing

The unique vocal technique used in “Another Hundred People” is sustained legato phrasing. This technique involves smoothly connecting each note, creating a continuous and flowing line. It helps convey the excitement and fast pace of city life depicted in the song.

To master this technique, incorporate the following exercises:

  • Practice vocal scales, focusing on smoothly transitioning between notes without any breaks or interruptions. Singing Carrots’ Pitch Training exercises can help you improve your pitch accuracy and train your ear to recognize and produce sustained legato phrasing.
  • Work on breath control to sustain long phrases. Singing Carrots offers a Breath Support article that provides essential tips and exercises for improving breath control.
  • Practice the song at a slower pace, gradually increasing the tempo as you become more comfortable with sustaining legato phrasing. Focus on maintaining a steady and even flow throughout the song.

Incorporating Singing Carrots Resources

Singing Carrots offers a range of resources to enhance your learning experience:

  • Vocal Pitch Monitor – Use this tool to see your sung notes on a virtual piano, helping you visualize your pitch accuracy and refine your performance.
  • Artist Vocal Ranges – Explore vocal ranges of over 5000 famous singers, which can provide insights and inspiration for your own singing.
  • Educational Singing Course – Enroll in the 21-lesson program covering singing theory and practical tips to further improve your singing skills.

Conclusion

Learning to sing “Another Hundred People” requires dedication, practice, and a focus on the unique sustained legato phrasing technique. By incorporating vocal warm-ups, analyzing your voice, and utilizing the resources provided by Singing Carrots, you can develop the necessary skills to master this song effectively.+