When I tell the choir something important, I start by saying, "This is one thing you should remember forever, and if I get hit by a cement mixer on the way home from rehearsal, I won't be here to repeat it again." They used to laugh at that, but don't anymore - I need to come up with another untimely death scenario.
At the top of the list is that singers need to open their mouths. From an early age, we're conditioned to keep our mouths closed: "Don't chew with your mouth open" "Shut your mouth or you'll catch flies"
In a choir, a quick way to improve the sound is to have the singers open their mouths while singing. It prolongs the duration of the vowel and encourages legato singing. An open mouth generally leads to a better resonance in the voice and better vowel color. It also encourages concentration on the overall effort.
I have to fight the closed-mouth syndrome all the time because of old habits, but all the fighting pays off and open mouths can help any piece of music sound better.
Also, be sure to tell them to not block their open mouths with their tongues. Tell them to keep their tongues down, raise their soft pallette, and make sure their tongues are attached to the back of their lower teeth. This is one step to a fuller, brighter sound.
"palate". Thanks. Where's NO when you need him?
don't you remember NO doesn't do comments?