Ten Commandments of Chanting

 

1. Bring and maintain peace in the kliros.  It’s a witness of cooperation, harmony, and reverence – nothing else belongs there (any more than it does in the altar or nave).

2. Come early and be prepared.  This is especially true if you are reading an epistle.  Prayer is part of the preparation.  Spend time with the priest before the service to compare notes/get on the same page (and get a blessing).

3. Our ears are more important than our voices.  

4. Make the hand-offs sound like you are part of the same team, not separate or (egad!) competing.  In chanting, this includes re-pitching only when there is a problem.

5. Chant clearly and confidently.  This is the Word of God, offered to His people.  

6. Chant humbly and without vainglory.  The kliros is a magnet for pride.  

7. Don’t settle for “good enough”.  Even beginners get the notes right.  Good chanting requires making the services witness to the harmony and unity of God.

8. Match the tempo of the service.  It’s not a race, nor is it a dirge.

9. Let the service speak for itself.  It is perfect, we become perfect in and through it.

10. Sing with joy and thanksgiving!  We bring beauty to the services as much through our witness as our voices. 

 

Terms:  

Intoning – musically reading simply around a single note.  Often done with Psalms.

Chanting – singing the words according to a set pattern or Tone.

Tone – a set melody based on a given system (e.g. Byzantine or Common).

Plain Reading – can be done with a normal reading voice or intoning

Kliros – the home base of the chanter(s).