Rehearsal Tracks & Demos
Vocal Rehearsal Tracks
Vocal rehearsal tracks are a great way to provide extra support for your students outside the classroom, especially those who lack piano and/or reading skills.
Panning Method
Each individual part is panned opposite of the rest of the ensemble/rhythm section. For example, the alto part is only present in the right ear, while soprano, tenor, bass, and accompaniment is only present in the left. This only works under the assumption that the students will be using headphones to rehearse. The benefit to this method is that the student has control over what they hear. They have the option to isolate their part, listen to their part in context of the entire ensemble, or, for an added challenge, they can eliminate their part completely and only hear the other ensemble parts.
Part-Predominant
Part-predominant recordings allow students to hear their part in context with the other parts, but with the volume of their part boosted.
Part-Minus Tracks
Part-minus tracks are the next step in the learning process. Students have the added challenge of singing their part in context with the other parts, but without support. For example, part-minus tracks distributed to the altos will contain accompaniment, soprano, tenor, and bass.
I Get a Kick Out of You
Demos
Demos are a great way for teachers and students to get a feel for the tune.
Rehearsal Combo Tracks (backing tracks)
Rehearsal combo tracks are a useful tool for vocal jazz ensembles who don’t have regular access to a rhythm section. The inclusion of drums and bass is critical in understanding the feel and approach to may styles of music. No recording can replace the benefit of rehearsing with a live rhythm section; but this is the next best thing.