Singing Guide: Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Learning to sing like The Little Sisters of Hoboken is not as hard as it may seem. The galvanizing force of Sister Mary Regina of the Convent of the Little Sisters of Hoboken brings about a revival of the talents of the nuns in the Christmas musical “Nuncrackers”. Dynamic performances from the cast, catchy tunes, and delightful harmonies, the nuns bring an infectious sense of joy that is impossible to resist.
To start learning their songs, one can begin with practicing singing in a head voice. This would help to mimic the operatic vocal technique used in the production. Sustaining high notes and blending them in harmony requires mastering pitch accuracy which can be tested using Singing Carrots pitch accuracy test.
One of the show's highlights is the performance of "It's Better to Give Than to Receive," a comedic duet between Sisters Robert Anne and Mary Paul (played by Debbie Phelps and Tashi Thomas, respectively), featuring clever wordplay, intricate harmonies, and plenty of playful interaction. This number is a great showcase for two-part harmony, and your understanding of this technique can be improved by using the Singing Carrots Pitch Training tool.
Another popular song is "All I Want for Christmas" allows the nuns to perform in a festive “swing” style which involves belting techniques, for which you can refer to the Contemporary vocal techniques: Heavy modal, Twang, Belting article on Singing Carrots.
Essential to mastering the Sister's vocal technique is breath control that prevents constrictions and helps sustain long phrases. Performing breathing exercises and vocal warm-ups from experienced coaches can be accessed on the Singing Carrots, such as Farinelli Breathing and 3 Minute Warm-up exercises.
To authentically replicate the Little Sisters of Hoboken's performance, it is critical to maintain good posture when standing, sitting or walking, which affects breath support. Check out the Singing Carrots Blog on How posture affects your singing for detailed insights.
To conclude, learning to sing like The Little Sisters of Hoboken is an achievable feat with the right techniques, training, and practice. Singing Carrots can be a one-stop-shop for all beginners and professionals seeking to improve their vocal abilities, personalizing their journey with custom-tailored experiences. Happy singing!