Singing is always in season, but December provides very special opportunities. I want to take this time to wish you readers and listeners in our All Things Vocal village a very happy, joyful holiday season. I hope that music-making... particularly singing... is part of this time for you and your loved ones. Never has there been a more perfect time for 'making a joyful noise' ... whether that sound is professional or a family jam session where no voice is judged less important than another.

Here are some gentle reminders if you're going to be singing:

• Getting ready for a road trip? Don't forget to take and pack your immune system herbs and supplements that work for you. If you're going somewhere dry, you might even pack a portable warm air humidifier.
• Getting ready for a holiday parties and family reunions? Getting ready for outside games or events? Don't forget to wear something which will protect your ears and your neck. Also... don't forget to bring water and stay well-hydrated. Also... when you laugh, squeal or scream for joy, be sure and pull that vocal sound.. don't push it! I know... it's the last thing you'd be thinking about, so you better practice pulling now!
• Getting ready for holiday feasts? Don't forget to limit mucous-enhancing foods like rich cream-based sauces, heavy casseroles, fatty meat portions, excessive deserts, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks. You CAN have some of these things, after all, even YOU can celebrate, but if you limit these heavy and toxic substances, you will be able to be in better voice. (Also better health). I say this as I wolf down a slice of my mother's traditional homemade pecan pie:)
• Getting ready for a holiday performance? Don't forget to warm up your voice with your vocal exercises! Even if it's just 5 or 10 minutes... warmup and remember to pull, not to push, your voice.

My New Year's wish is that your gratitude list, like mine, keeps expanding. So raise a glass of something or other with me to toast the coming year. No matter what direction the economy and music business goes, no matter what life thing blindsides us, there will also be diamonds... blessings and sweet surprises ... embedded in every day. I find it so important, for so many reasons, to look for, notice and focus our spirits on those diamonds.

Thank you for being part of my journey. I can almost hear you singing! God bless you and your precious voices... love, Judy

Labels: Christmas singing, Holiday singing, Judy Rodman