Intonation
Intonation refers to the ability to sing or play musical notes at their correct pitch. In choir direction, it's a fundamental skill that involves ensuring all singers are performing notes accurately and in harmony with each other. Think of it as the musical equivalent of proper pronunciation - just as words need to be said correctly, musical notes need to be sung at the right pitch. Good intonation means the choir sounds in tune and harmonious, while poor intonation results in what most people would call "singing out of tune."
Examples in Resumes
Trained 40-member choir to achieve precise intonation through targeted vocal exercises
Developed specialized warmup routines to improve intonation in youth choirs
Led advanced workshops focusing on intonation and harmony for professional choir members
Typical job title: "Choir Directors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Choir Directors
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you address intonation issues in a large choir performing complex harmonies?
Expected Answer: A senior choir director should discuss methods like section rehearsals, harmony-specific exercises, and techniques for maintaining pitch in challenging musical pieces. They should also mention strategies for teaching singers to listen to each other and adjust accordingly.
Q: What methods do you use to improve intonation in different age groups?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of age-appropriate techniques, from basic pitch matching games for youth choirs to advanced harmonic training for adult choirs, and explain how different age groups learn pitch recognition differently.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What exercises do you use to improve choir intonation?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe specific warm-up exercises, pitch matching activities, and practice techniques that help singers maintain proper pitch and harmony.
Q: How do you identify and correct intonation problems in a choir setting?
Expected Answer: Should explain methods for detecting pitch problems, demonstrate understanding of common causes of poor intonation, and describe correction techniques for both individual singers and groups.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is intonation and why is it important in choral singing?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that intonation is singing in tune and maintaining correct pitch, and describe its importance for creating harmonious choral sound.
Q: How do you help a singer who consistently sings flat or sharp?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic techniques for helping singers find correct pitch, including use of piano, pitch matching exercises, and listening skills development.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic pitch recognition
- Simple warm-up exercises
- Understanding of basic harmony
- Piano skills for pitch reference
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced ear training techniques
- Section rehearsal management
- Complex harmony training
- Vocal problem diagnosis
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced intonation correction methods
- Complex repertoire management
- Choir sound blending techniques
- Performance-level pitch accuracy training
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to demonstrate basic pitch matching ability
- Lack of piano proficiency for providing pitch reference
- No experience with group vocal training
- Poor understanding of vocal warm-up techniques
- Limited knowledge of harmony concepts
Related Terms
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