Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. showcase (v.) [shoh-keys] – to show, present or display
Example: Her role in the play showcases her singing skills.
2. vocal (adj.) [voh-kuhl] – pertaining to the singing voice
Example: Her impressive vocal ability made her famous.
3. pull off (v. phrase) [pool-awf, -of] – to perform successfully, especially
one that requires courage and strong will
Example: He pulled off a good presentation despite his lack of
preparation.
4. genre (n.) [zhahn-ruh; Fr. zhahn-ruh] – a kind or category of an artistic work
Example: Science fiction is a popular movie genre.
5. superb (adj.) [soo-purb , suh-] – admirably excellent or extremely good
Example: He won an award for his superb performance.
Article
Read the text below.
Read the text below.
American
television reality show "The Sing-Off" brings a capella singing
to a larger stage.
The
program showcases the talents of vocal groups
who sing without musical accompaniments. These singers use nothing but their voices,
teeth and tongues to produce music.
A capella singing— which literally means "in church style"
in Italian— started when churches prohibited musical instruments during
religious services. Its use eventually evolved to different genres of
music.
According
to experts, pulling off an a capella performance
requires not only talent but also athletic skills.
Dr.
Thomas Carroll, a voice specialist from Tufts Medical Center in Boston,
explains how superb breathing techniques—like those needed to
run a marathon—help singers mimic instruments, especially the drums.
On the
other hand, voice professor Jodi Jenkins from Berklee School of Music says a
strong sense of rhythm and hearing keeps a good a capella group
in tune and in the right timing.
In terms
of group composition, both Caroll and Jenkins agree that having members with
varying voice types and quality is a huge advantage. However, a group with
numerous members would not fair much if they lose harmony. Talent, according
Jenkins, remains the bottom line.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Do you think people are born with
great vocal talent or do you think vocal ability can be learned through proper
training? Explain your answer.
·
Do you enjoy singing? Explain your
answer.
Discussion B
·
What do you think about a
capella groups?
·
Do you think all popular musical
artists can really sing well?