To: "VOCALIST" <vocalist>
Subject: humidifiers and a good vocal care program
Date sent: Mon, 31 Jan 2000 20:15:12 -0500
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

Hi Vocalists!

After a mild bout with the flu recently, I went out pricing humidifiers
around town. The price was not that bad (about $25 for a nice one), but
there was a problem posed: which is better for long term use to keep the
voice well and also to use when sick, to get the voice functioning as it
should again, cool mist or warm mist? The cool mist would feel better, I
suppose, on a parched, scratchy throat, but I wouldn't want ot make the
wrong choice because I didn't know the scientific support. Any response
would be greatly appreciated.

Also, can anyone give me hints on a really fine long-term vocal care
program? I am a 16-year-old baritone and plan on going into the "field"
when I get older. As of now, I do a TON of extra-curricular singing which
is great for the experience, but bad for the voice if not treated properly.
I do AT LEAST 1 and a half hours of singing a day in chorus alone. This
doesn't even count my bi-weekly 45 minute voice lesson, hour choir practice
at church and a plethora of Honor Choruses and Choral Workshops. This
Saturday I have state auditions for a Governor's Honors Summer Program, and
I need my voice to be top-notch! So, in short, does anyone have any tips
for the up keep of one's voice?

Thanks so much in advance!

Jay Linville