AboutKenneth Renshaw Expertise Answer questions about conducting patterns, performance practice, expression marks and conducting, and basic instrument/vocal practice
Experience
Past/Present clients Adjunct Instructor-Three Rivers Community College, taught over 200 private music students, frequent performer.
Question We are using a written arrangement for St. Louis Blues and encountered an unfamiliar mark appearing throughout the song. It is a small / written just above or below the staff under the word being sung, e.g. under the word "sun" in the phrase: I hate to see that evenin' sun.... It does not appear in the piano accompaniment. I assume it indicates some tone inflection, but we do know what.
Answer Hi, Kay, thanks for writing. That's one on me, too. I would guess that it, as you said, indicates a vocal inflection. In blues, the 3rd, 5th, and 7th note of the scale is bent by the singer (made slightly flat)-if it is on those tones, that is likely it. Sometimes they sing just before or after the beat, so that also could indicate something there. Sorry I couldn't help more. Write anytime.
