Singing: ?Remember Mrs. Miller?

Subject: RE: Singing: ?Remember Mrs. Miller?
From: Socorro
Date: 26 Jun 02 - 11:37 PM

Just Amy, Thanks very much; i have printed your reply to keep as a reference. S.

Subject: RE: Singing: ?Remember Mrs. Miller?
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 26 Jun 02 - 05:43 AM

I can think of one lady who whose tone accuracy is about +/- 3 semitones (and never a full semitone). She only sing choruses, but it does tend to put everyone else off - especially when there are some good harmonies available. Unfortunately she runs a club and does the bookings.... - I wonder why nobody tells her.

Subject: RE: Singing: ?Remember Mrs. Miller?
From: GUEST,Just Amy - Voice teacher
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 07:00 PM

I loved Mrs. Miller. Part of the problem with her sound was that she was nasal. Now, if you want to stop that sound and get as much on key as possible (sometimes "bad" singing may just be emotional singing). When you sing open your mouth as far as possible (if you hear a clicking sound, go to a doctor for TMJ). Take a deep breathe with your diaphram and sing. To keep from going flat, smile, smile, smile because it opens your resonators. Imagine the sound coming from your forehead. Open your eyes wide and look up. That should help. If you still need help (and don't we all), I suggest a voice teacher (and, as I have mentioned before, not a vocal coach).

Subject: RE: Singing: ?Remember Mrs. Miller?
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 06:15 PM

Mrs. Miller used to show up in the audience on the Johnny Carson Show. I often do an exact imitation of her without even trying...or knowing. SIGH Great lady. She died a few years back.

Subject: RE: Singing: ?Remember Mrs. Miller?
From: Socorro
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 06:00 PM

Bill Kennedy - GOD BLESS YOU!!! Yours is the reply i have been hoping for. I really am not that bad, at times people tell me i have a very nice voice, and AT LEAST i have an ear, so i am properly critical when i am off. I just would so much like to sound like Mahalia or someone quite unlike me. However, in starting this thread and stating my situation in the most negative light possible, i was hoping for people to tell me to not give up - because it is true -- the more i do it, the better i get!! (And i love it so much). Thanks for all the replies; look forward to more.

Subject: RE: Singing: ?Remember Mrs. Miller?
From: pattyClink
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 03:27 PM

Bravo, Mr. Kennedy, well said.

Anybody: is this the Mrs. Miller who used to always be in the audience of the Merv Griffin show? I thought she was just a professional audience member!

Subject: RE: Singing: ?Remember Mrs. Miller?
From: MMario
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 03:24 PM

bill - in general I agree with you - but (for example) these two I spoke of above? I would be happy if they hit ANY note "on key"

Subject: RE: Singing: ?Remember Mrs. Miller?
From: GUEST,Bill Kennedy
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 03:08 PM

I refuse to participate in any attempt to discourage singing in public, no matter how 'off-key'. Everyone, together now, 'Lift up your voice and sing'. You can do it! The more you do it the better it will be. People who criticize you are to be ignored, and pitied. Let them sing the louder to hide thier embarrasment for your 'lack of decorum', if they are that concerned. Kendall, no criticism of you personally intended, I don't know you, but I am of the school that believes everyone can sing, if they are not ruined for it when young by 'well-meaning' people who tell them 'You sing off'key' or 'you can't carry a tune in a bucket'. What harm can there possibly be in people not hitting every note the way you think they should? Public, communal singing is one of the best ways to build community and overcome barriers. It used to be done often, and I hope that day returns. Sing Out! doesn't say anywhere in it's pages that it is only for those who have passed some kind of litmus test for vocal ability. It is for everyone, as are all songs to be sung.

Subject: RE: Singing: ?Remember Mrs. Miller?
From: MMario
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 01:54 PM

Kendall - in regard to one whom I know and hear frequently:

No No No (and whom I would never even CONSIDER telling)

In regards to another:

yes no yes

and the second is an older relative - which means I have to put up with it regardless!

Subject: RE: Singing: ?Remember Mrs. Miller?
From: kendall
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 01:36 PM

I've never been able to understand why people who sing off key sing at all.(In public) Do they not know they are off key? Do they not care? Do they not understand how painful it is to listen to?

Subject: RE: Singing: ?Remember Mrs. Miller?
From: Giac
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 12:39 PM

Lordy, I sure do remember her. For those who don't, or just want to revisit:

Mrs. Miller

Subject: Singing: ?Remember Mrs. Miller?
From: Socorro
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 12:24 PM

About 20 yrs. ago there was a novelty artist who went by the name of Mrs.Miller. She seemed to be a middle-aged, overweight white woman who loved to sing in enthusiastic operatic style, and sounded absolutely awful (which was what made her really funny). By admitting the following, i hope i won't lose the few friends i've made here, but here goes: Sometimes when i listen to myself on tape, I hear some sounds that call her to mind! Can anyone analyze the Mrs.Miller sound, and how to avoid it????