Sarah Talbot

I have been a musician and chorister for nearly 30 years, and I have developed quite a utility bag of tools that I use when prepping, rehearsing and performing various repertoire. Some are essential for what I do (singing). Others not so much, but they do come in handy when I have them.

1. Pencil

Every musicians best friend. I tend to use mechanical pencils (or pacers). It saves on having to sharpen your pencil when the nib gets blunt. Also helps with storage having the clip on the side. I either put it in my music folder, or use it as a hair ornament (out of the way, but easy to get to).

2. Smart Phone

These days its kind of a ‘must’ to have a phone, but my phone has a few apps that not the ‘everyday Joe’ would have.

• Metronome – Used for preparing repertoire, so I have a rough idea how fast a piece may go. The conductor will usually opt to go slower before picking up the speed during rehearsals, but I like knowing wha the end goal potentially could be. I also use it as a beat guide for complicated rhythms.
• Mini-piano – It’s not the best solution for tuning issues, but it does work in a clinch. It’s hard to play full phrases with keys the size of my pinky finger, but for one note tuning, it works fine.
• Voice Recorder – I sometimes record during rehearsals so I can learn the piece. I like to get as much ‘off-book’ as possible.
• Spotify – I use this quite frequently, obviously for listening to music. Most people would have a music streaming service on their phones. I also use it to study up on repertoire by listening to previous recordings.

3. Ipad

Another piece of ‘must-have’ technology. It keeps me mobile without carrying around loads of books and paper. It is also my personal and professional organiser.

• Digital Music – Sometimes its easier to have everything stored in a cloud, and then access it when needed. Digital Sheet music is now exception, especially if you are in a choir that rehearses a lot of short pieces. I use Avid Scorch and MuseScore for Sibelius and MuseScore sheet music, and Musicnotes, and Musicroom apps for sheet music that I have purchased on respective websites. For PDF files, I use the ‘Books’ app that is standard on iPad.
• GarageBand – I like using the keyboard and instruments in the app. The keys are bigger than the phone, so its easier to play though phrases. I also use Pianist Pro, which is a mobile keyboard, and MIDI instrument.
• Calendar – It’s really the only way I can keep up with rehearsals, classes, work and family time. I keep my calendar synced to my iPad, iPhone and MacBook, that way if I alter on one device, it updates on the others. I also share my calendar with family members so they know where I am (never can be too careful when out on the roads alone). Some choirs that I perform with also sync their calendars with members, so it makes it easier to get up-to-date info on times and venues for rehearsals and performances.

4. Music

Duh!!!… Actually, I can speak of the number of times I’ve forgotten music for rehearsals (hand plant on face). I’ve gotten into the habit of keeping music in folders, and keeping required folders in my bag. I have a performance folder for current repertoire (or for next performance repertoire), the rest are stored in plastic clip folders. I also keep my students music in their own labelled plastic folders. It looks neater, and easier to grab quickly when moving from one student to the next.

5. Water

Some singers think they don’t need water during rehearsals, because they’re not thirsty. That’s not necessarily the point of water during a rehearsal though. Breathing air in and out through both your nose and throat can dry your throat . ‘Wetting your whistle’ helps to keep the dry sore throat at bay. It also clears any phlegm bought up from singing (biology is kinda gross, but we all do it). Remember that when you drink water doesn’t actually touch your vocal folds or chords. If it did, you would choke and drown.

Water also helps to keep you hydrated in general. Which is great for immunity, particularly when singing with people who may not be the best of health. But don’t forget that in most case, if you are really not feeling well, you are better off missing a rehearsal rather than spreading your germs to others.

6. Comfy shoes

I’m a big fan of sneakers…not really classy but great for long rehearsals. I take the view that rehearsals are not about fashion, so I’m never in anything but neat sneakers, jeans and top (sometimes a blouse, if I’m feeling or needing to be particularly ‘swish and swanky’).

When I’m performing I tend to opt for the black flat sole ballet shoe. If I wear heels they are court shoes, not stilettos. I have the added bonus of being rather tall, so flats are usually enough.

7. Mints & Lozenges

During rehearsal, I use mints to keep my breath fresh. Exhaling into a room, can sometimes be a little unpleasant (particularly if you had onion or garlic for dinner). Mints also help with keeping my sinuses open. I like that minty fresh feeling when I inhale.

When that dreaded dry throat does happen (usually before and after illness), I use honey lozenges. If I can, I try to avoid menthol as it can sometimes further dry out my throat, and cause laryngitis.

I also keep a sleeve of lozenges in my performance folder, in case I get a cough during a performance. Whilst performing, performers cannot take water onstage (health and safety, and it just looks untidy when people a sipping onstage). Getting that irritating tickle in the throat or a phlegm choke during a performance is annoying and sometimes torturous, so I sneak a lozenge in between songs, and keep going till I can get some water either at interval or at the end of performance.

8. Lip Balm

Not lipstick… balm. I find that lipstick sometimes dries out my lips faster, lip balm tends to stay around a lot longer. No singer likes to perform with dry, chapped, or split bleeding lips. It also takes some time for healing to happen if performing over long periods. I like the Burts Bees Lip balms, as they are bees wax based, and I like the flavours.

9. Aspirin

Long days of rehearsal sometimes result in large headaches. So a pack of aspirin or Panadol is always in my bag when pain strikes.

10. Torch (Mini Flashlight)

Rehearsals and performance tend to be night events, sometimes finishing very lat at night or very early in the morning, either way… it is dark. Even though I am in the city, having a torch comes in handy when finding your car in the parking lot. Also handy when trying to find your keys that have inevitably slid down to the bottom of your bag,

There are other items that would be in my bag that are specific for performances such as makeup bag, uniform, etc. I just wanted to give a general overview in what is consistently in my bag for both rehearsals and performances.