Standing Up or Sitting Down

Subject: Standing Up or Siting Down
From: RTim
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 05:02 PM

With all the advice that is flying around on Mudcat at present:

- Do you prefer to Stand or Sit when you are singing, and why?

I am thinking mainly of those of us who sing unaccompanied rather than playing an instrument, but does it even matter then?

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Siting Down
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 05:03 PM

Doing it standing up is more fun!

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Siting Down
From: Joe Offer
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 05:07 PM

I prefer standing, and I think I have better breath control standing. But when I'm in a song circle and everyone is sitting, I feel it's rather pretentious to stand - so I sit. If I had my druthers, I'd jump into the middle of the circle, like I used to do at campfires in summer came. And sometimes, I still get carried away and jump into the middle of the circle.
-Joe-

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Siting Down
From: Songbob
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 05:13 PM

As an instrumentalist and accompanied singer, I find that it matters more that I sit up straight, if sitting, than whether I stand or sit. Slumped over a guitar, I can't sing all that well, but straightening the vocal path works wonders.

Bob

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Siting Down
From: GUEST,999
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 05:22 PM

"Standing Up or Siting Down"

Go with one or the other, or both.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Siting Down
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 05:26 PM

Good question, it can depend on the song, the stage, or the audience.
The song; a quiet atmospheric story/song I like to sing sitting down. A chair's best, you're closer to the audience and not dominating with height. Sitting on the front edge of a high stage is great.
If you have a song that starts off quietly and builds, start sitting and stand when it builds. One of my favourite things to do is, when it's my turn to sing and i'm sitting in the audience, I start singing from my seat and walk through the audience to the stage singing all the way. They love it, cos it surprises them. It all adds to the drama and entertainment. Anyway i'm a dreadful show off!
Sal

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Siting Down
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 05:37 PM

Stand with guitar or concertina, sit with banjo or autoharp. Unaccompanied — matter of mood & which song... Depends if on a stage or on flat floor also.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Siting Down
From: MartinRyan
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 05:40 PM

All things else being equal, I prefer to sing standing up - or with my arse perched on a high stool. The proximity of the stool to the bar is not relevant - honest!

Regards

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Siting Down
From: GUEST,999
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 05:42 PM

I do not use shoulder straps for either of my guitars. So, I sit. As a BTW, make sure you request a good chair, no arm rests on it.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Siting Down
From: Genie
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 05:53 PM

I find it easier to play my guitar standing up, and I think I do it better too. It puts my left hand in better positions.

As for singing, I'm sure I sing better standing up, and if I really want to LEAD a sing-along, I find the best way to do that, when the group is in a circle, is to stand up, walk around, and walk right up to various people, e.g., those doing harmonies.
But, yes, in some venues, it does perhaps feel pretentious to some others, so I often sit even when I'd be more comfortable standing.

I also find it easier to keep time when I'm standing, because I kind of put my whole body into moving with the song's rhythm, not just my feet.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Siting Down
From: JohnB
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 05:54 PM

It depends on how much room you have to fill and whether there is a sound system or not. Also if I am playing guitar, I always sit, cos I don't have a strap either.
If you need to project and fill a large room, standing is the only way.
The sound system part varies with the performer, anyone can fill a room with a sound system, it takes lungs to walk past the mike and still fill the room. It can be effective if you can do it though, Tom Lewis does it frequently, though not for every song.
JohnB.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Janie
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 05:56 PM

I need to stand to sing to be able to breathe.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 12:15 AM

It can also depend, especially when singing unaccompanied, on the sort of song. Remember that Ewan MacColl would adopt his famous sitting back-to-front, elbow on back of chair, hand cupped over ear, position for a slow song like Lord Randall, but for a a more lively ballad [Eppie Morrie, say] would stand in almost aggressive-looking, hands-on-hips, pose.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 12:22 AM

I used to sit. Then my singing partners made me stand. Now I stand and am used to it. It took awhile to get used to playing guitar instrumentals standing up.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 02:37 AM

I do it standing up.

DC

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Hamish
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 04:01 AM

My natural inclination is to stand. I guess it's from my working background: standing says "Look at me: I'm in charge here!" (It's similar to the one with the flip chart marker pen becomes the focus of the meeting and can dictate the agenda.)

However it can really change the whole vibe of a gig to sit down. Much more relaxed and intimate. As for singarounds etc I tend to sit, unless it's a real rocker!

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 04:28 AM

It depends just how many of the audience have clip-boards!!

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Young Buchan
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 05:35 AM

Is it partly dependent on the other Great Variant - eyes open or shut? I'm Eyes Shut and so I feel safer firmly sat down.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: RamblinStu
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 05:43 AM

It's standing up and eyes open for me. Then you know when to run…..

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Fidjit
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 06:11 AM

I sing unaccompanied and with guitar, concertina and Melodeon.

My old legs don't like me standing up all the time.

These days, if I can, I rest my bum on the back of a chair, so's I''m almost standing.
Then I can stand fully to sing the unaccompanied songs when needed.

Right at the front of the stage is the best place to be. And as high as possible to give effect.

Sitting is comfortable and also works well. Most sessions are seated.

Chas

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: GUEST,LTS on the sofa
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 06:24 AM

Opera singers train to sing in various positions, including lying on their fronts over a table.... like so many things, it is entirely possible to perform well in different positions... but the ideal one for singing is standing erect and straight (none of this leaning hand on hip with the spine in an S shape). Having said that, I prefer to sit, because I'm a lazy cow.

When sitting to sing, try to sit as upright as possible (not always possible in the average pub chair which is stupid because a scrunched spine means a scrunched stomach so less room for beer)! I sit either with my ample ass pushed firmly back into the seat - which in some cases takes my feet off the floor which is disturbing, or on the edge of my seat, back straight, feet planted on the floor. I hate tall stools, as I have short leges, so if seated on one of those, will hop off and stand to sing, which defeats any egotistical object as I'm usually shorter standing up than when sitting on tall stools.

As with the 'book or no book' argument, follow your own preferene with an eye to local custom. In most informal singarounds, it matters not what position you are in, just so long as you make a pleasant noise and enjoy yourself.

LTS

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: kendall
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 12:36 PM

Whatever is most comfortable for you, but it seems to me that performers stand and entertainers sit.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 12:53 PM

I like to stand when I both entertain and perform. All tho' some may say I do neither. I like the fredom of movement that standing gives me as well as the projection in the voice. However, even tho' I do use straps I find it easier sometimes to control my playing when I am sitting. This has more to do with hand injuries than anything else.

I play in a band called Two Feet Short. The bass player sits because he is a bi-lateral amputee but could he stand he would. Jim says he is most aware of how much expression is lost by the inability to stand and move. ( A bass player with no feet to tap.)

Some of the best story tellers I have ever heard performed sitting down. George Ward, Gordon Bok, Bruce Phillips, Danny Spooner, Peggy Seeger all were sitting when I heard them.

So I guess sometimes I stand when I sing and sometimes sit down when I recite. It all depends. No solid answers from me I guess.

Don

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: PoppaGator
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 01:32 PM

Standing maximizes vocal projection, volume, control, and just about every other quality of singing you might think of. Absolutely, hands down, no argument.

On the other hand, if your voice is so good that you don't need all the help you can get, or if circumstances are such that comfort and/or intimacy with the listener trumps strength of vocalization (as when the room is small and quiet singing can be easily heard), no one is going to punish you for sitting.

Do Whatcha Wanna.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: GUEST,Aultimer
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 01:38 PM

I do both. Sitting down is more informal. Standing up is more comanding. I do what ever feels right for the ocasion.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 01:43 PM

depends entirely on what I am singing. some songs I need all lung capacity I can get to wail them out, so I stand for them.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: jacqui.c
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 01:54 PM

Elizabeth Null gave a good tip, if you are sitting when singing. Stretch out on the chair, almost as if you are taking a nap. This opens up the diaphragm and allows the voice to come through.

I sing mostly in song circles, where it almost seems pretentious to stand to sing and so mostly sing sitting down. When performing, with Kendall playing guitar, I tend to stand to the side and slightly behind his chair. There definitely is better breath control when standing IMHO.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: kendall
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 01:59 PM

I used to stand when telling stories, and sat to sing. Now I sit to play guitar for Jacqui and depending on the story itself I might do either.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: RTim
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 02:22 PM

As I started this thread, I suppose I should give an indication what I think, and it does depend upon the situation.
I generally like to Stand, but in sing arounds, sitting is more common.
I remember seeing & hearing a very good Irish singer (whose name alludes me at present) who used to sit, with his hands on his knees with a straight back and with a very open chest, and he sounded wonderful. I have tried it, but it does look a little odd and you can achieve the same by standing.
Thanks to contributors all.
Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: autoharpbob
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 02:44 PM

If the rest are sitting I will sit, but I prefer to stand if I am singing with my autoharp. If I am playing an instrumental on the autoharp, I prefer to sit as I can get it higher and more stable that way.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Genie
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 02:54 PM

You know why Baptists don't make love standing up, don't you?












































People might think they were dancing!

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Genie
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 02:58 PM

[[LTS:
Opera singers train to sing in various positions, including lying on their fronts over a table.... like so many things, it is entirely possible to perform well in different positions. ]]
Good suggestion. Though I find it very hard to play guitar in that particular position you mentioned.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: GUEST,Roger in Baltimore
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 03:13 PM

I was once told, long ago, that sitting versus standing changes the key of the song with which you will be most comfortable. I have found it to be true. As I remember, and I remember less and less each day, you can reach higher notes when you are standing. It is best to rehearse the performance in the mode in which you plan to perform. Rehearse standing if that is how you perform.

In my youth, I always performed standing. In most venues, the floor has been level and the stage has not been raised. If you sit, people in the back cannot easily see you. You are easier to see when you stand.

Now, my arthritic knees often make the decision for me. Sometimes I can stand for a rather long time. Other times, I really have to sit if it is at all possible. A high stool for sitting is a compromise.

In informal settings, I usually sit.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 03:17 PM

......it seems to me that performers stand and entertainers sit

I like to think that that I'm entertaining when I'm performing.


DC

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: GUEST,MikeL2
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 03:30 PM

hi

I play guitar and sing so for me I stand if I am performing.

At home when I practice I sit down.

Recently I went to a concert by a country singer called Charlie Landsborough and he sat down in a low chair for the complete concert. Mind you he does have a very relaxed style....lol

The more mature here will remeber Val Doonican....now he used to sit down in a rocking chair when he sang....lol

cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: GUEST,Scorpio
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 06:39 PM

I prefer to sit to play guitar, so most of my singing is in the same position. The altered playing position when standing aggravates my various joint problems. But I have noticed an advantage: am I imagining this, or does my guitar sound more resonant when reverberating against my chest than when nestled in my armpit?

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Joe Nicholson
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 07:16 PM

If you are running a singaround it's a good idea to tell people that it's ok to stand or sit as they prefer. That puts at ease those who prefer to stand. You could also encourage them to come out front without them being accused of beimg stagey. resulting I think in better performances.

Joe Nicholson.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: kendall
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 09:14 PM

Sorry, but I see a difference between performers and entertainers.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: kendall
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 09:17 PM

By way of example, I have a dear friend who sings with his eyes closed and the lights on him with the audience in the dark. He does not want to see faces. I see him as a performer.

I, on the other hand, and I'm not alone in this, prefer to be able to see the audience because I have to interact with them to feel comfortable. It's like we are all in someone's living room. I see myself as an entertainer.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Ron Davies
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 09:28 PM

I far prefer standing to sing--particularly if you want to get any power.   I can't imagine doing sea chanteys or gospel sitting down, for instance   In my choral group we've noticed that if the group goes flat, this can often be remedied by standing up.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Joybell
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 09:49 PM

Thanks Kendall. I understand what you mean. I agree. True-Love and I fit with the entertainers by your definition.
As for the standing or sitting question -- we both stand while we can. Probably will have to give in to arthritis eventually though.

I have a little story that fits here somewhere.
We were organizing a show using elderly people -- really elderly. One lady of about 100 offered to sing. She had been in a wheel-chair for years and I set her up so that she could sing from a sitting position. She was all dressed up in costume with gloves and all. Rehearsals were uneventful but when the big day came and the stage was set and her turn came she pushed me aside, stood up ramrod-straight and clasped her hands in front of her. She performed standing with a great soaring soprano voice. Dementia had robbed her of any understanding of where she was, but that's another story.
Amazing performance it was.
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Crowhugger
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 10:06 PM

The a cappella quartet I sing with entertains once or twice per month, eyes open, interactive with the audience and each other--with songs we sing (that some sing along with spontaneously), sing-alongs by design, jokes, little stories--and we are always standing. The energy works for us that way. Although not sitting, we are definitely entertaining, it's obvious by the faces and by the people who come see us afterwards.

But Kendall it sounds like, for you, standing creates a one-way thing that you aren't comfortable with. If I felt that, I'd sit too!

~CH.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Genie
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 10:46 PM

Love that story, Joybell. I encounter similar occurrences with very senior dementia patients fairly often. Not the standing upright after being in a wheelchair for years, perhaps, but the rention of both strong vocals and memory for songs despite the loss of other cognitive skills.
Of course, many nursing home residents are in wheelchairs, not because they CAN'T stand or walk, but because the care team believes they SHOULDN'T.   Sometimes these frail elderly people are fairly strong and love to stand, walk, and even dance. But it can pose a serious risk of falling - which is often fatal, if a hip is broken - so they spend a lot more time in wheelchairs than some of them prefer.   I'm really not surprise you soaring-voiced soprano stood up to sing.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Joybell
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 11:27 PM

No I wasn't either, Genie. It's just that this was the most extreme example. I worked as a nurse for nearly 40 years and at the same time, for about the same time, as a performer. Often the two tasks met. I've been involved in getting elderly people dancing too.
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Genie
Date: 05 Feb 10 - 05:28 PM

(What I am surprised at is my last posted sentence looking like some teen twittered it! I rely du no hou to spel. Onustly.)

Joy, these times when we can get elderly people to stand up and sing or dance with the music illustrate one of the advantages of standing. I think it's much easier to engage your audience in participating when you are not only standing but moving about freely.   That's why, if I need amplification and have the option of a lapel or headset mic, I prefer that.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: DonMeixner
Date: 05 Feb 10 - 06:27 PM

I think folks would find it easier to overcome the stage willies if you open your eyes and sing to one pretty girl in the crowd. I know we've discussed this before. All it takes is a nod and a smile in return to settle yourself down. Besides, with your eyes closed you can't read your song books.

Don

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: PoppaGator
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 01:54 PM

As I remember, and I remember less and less each day, you can reach higher notes when you are standing.

I certainly appreciate the age/memory humor, Roger, but the reason I'm posting is to point out that one's vocal range can be every bit as constricted at the lower end of one's range as in the upper register. I think this is true for everyone, whether bass or soprano or anywhere in between, even though many of (especially males) are more conscious of the inability to hit high notes, while taking for granted to ability to sing the deeper/lower tones.

Standing helps at both ends of the pitch spectrum, I believe. Also ~ if this is not "thread drift" ~ it's probably at least equally important to be comfortable, psychologically as well as physically, if you want to maximize your range. I find that when I'm unsure of the tune, or nervous for any other reason, it's harder for me to reach low notes that I normally can sing, perhaps even moreso than to sing up into the upper part of my normal range.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 03:24 PM

I like doing it standing up, but I hate getting the knee tremblers.

Subject: RE: Standing Up or Sitting Down
From: Joe_F
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 08:34 PM

Same as you piss.