Hi  N *****

It is very rare that we hire a complete choir for a session unless it is a distinctive Gospel choir sound we want [it is very hard to simulate Gospel sound]

Normally we get/hire three singers.   These can be male / female according to the eventual sound you want...in your case all female.  Steer away from singers with a solo type vibrato.  Vibrato can work with just three singers singing three part harmony but not for this kind of work [Dusty Springfield's backing singers?]

It is essential that the choir parts are written correctly.  I repeat...essential.  Don't even think of proceeding without writing the parts or having them written by an arranger.

The three singers sing one line together in unison.  We track that 3/4 times until we are satisfied [through experience] that the eventual sound will be right, in other words, thick enough or light enough...whichever we are aiming at..  It is useful if the singers are used to this type of work and understand to change the timbre of their voices for each track ... Thus filling a huge frequency range.  If they simply sing the same three/four times it will just sound like three singers only louder.  We ask the three to move positions around the microphone whilst singing these four tracks...even use differing microphones.

Then we get the three singers to repeat this process singing the next line.  Then repeat for the third line, fourth line or how many parts in the harmony.

There are many types of harmony combinations and you simply have to learn [from music theory books] which sounds you want.

I repeat, it is essential that the parts are written correctly and sung correctly.  Busked harmonies will always sound 'busked' and cheap.  Beware the singer who issues the immortal words:  "I've got a good line we can sing"....recipe for total disaster...I know... I've been there too many times.  Nowadays I simply say:  "sing the notes you have been given....they are the correct notes".

I hope this helps...you can always call me +44 1323.4 ***** or  Skype Internet Video Phone :    *********

Dec 

You may use any part of this 'One Minute' in your own publications...we simply require you to add:

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'One Minute With Dec' is written each week by Dec Cluskey. Dec's advice?

Get in touch personally to discuss what you want to achieve in music dec@makehits.com

web: www.makehits.com or call +44 (0)1323.728005

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The gags: .....        Naughty ... but funny.... 

A man met a beautiful lady and he decided he wanted to marry her right away.

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