Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 2/7/2008

Question
Hello, again.  In my school production of "Little Shop of Horrors," I'm cast as Ronette as far as lines go, but I sing the part of Crystal, who is the soprano out of the three girls.  Anyway, so in the second number, "Skid Row", I have to sing a little solo at the beginning, which propels the rest of the song.  The notes range from first C below staff to C in staff, but the solo is open to interpretation.  The director, who happens to be my chorus/drama teacher, wants the song to have a lot of emotion and "soul," but that only comes from using my chest voice.  I am most comfortable using my head voice for EVERYTHING, but this song requires something that I'm not good at in any way.  It almost hurts when I use my chest voice (I can hardly hit the middle B without pain), I'm straining myself so hard, and my voice gives out very easy leaving it sore.  I know belting isn't for everyone, so I just want to know how I should extend my range in a matter of a couple weeks or how should I talk to the director about switching this solo with someone else's, who's voice naturally fits the part.

Answer
hi there.  and thanks for writing.  

whenever i hear the word pain with singing, i am always very hesitant to encourage any action but quitting.  Pain is not good.  So i would recommend not singing this way and lookiing into getting some help with chest technique first from a professional voice teacher or coach.  

does that help?

Wanda