A question about writing for choruses in musicals

[ComposerinIndiana]

Posted: 12/23/08 at 5:30pm

I am currently writing a 2-act musical on commission to debut in October 2009 at a high school. Up to this point I have written a number of musicals for children that I market to schools. They have been quite successful. I am writing all of the music, lyrics and orchestrations for this show.

I am now working on the orchestrations for about 20 songs.
I have seen a lot of high school productions of all of the standards.
When writing for the chorus - do they sing in unison more of the time than they do in parts? I realize it is my musical and I can do what I want - but I was wondering how much of the time in most musicals is there part singing vs. unison. It seems in my memory (as it is for a 57 year old) that most of the time I recall a lot of unison singing with the chorus. Am I right or wrong?

Thanks for any insights.

Charles

[cello_dude]

Posted: 12/23/08 at 5:34pm

If you do add harmony I would do 2 parts (AS and TB) our unison most of the time and 3 parts (S, A and TB) very occasionally

[beltingbaritone]

Posted: 12/23/08 at 5:40pm

As a highschool student, our productions range from unison to two part harmony to four part harmony to six part. You're really not limited depending on how challenging you want the piece to be and how you want it to sound.

High schoolers can definitely handle at least 3 part harmony and probably 4 part too.

[cello_dude]

Posted: 12/23/08 at 5:53pm

However, most high schools have a not enough men and too many women so I would definitely divisi the female parts before I would male. However this is just a generalization
Updated On: 12/23/08 at 05:53 PM

[beltingbaritone]

Posted: 12/23/08 at 5:55pm

I suppose, ComposerinIndia, you have to scope out who you're selling this piece too. In my school we have an equal amount of boys and girls, but as cello_dude points out, its different everywhere.

[ComposerinIndiana]

Posted: 12/23/08 at 6:05pm

Thanks for the comments thus far.

I more than likely would do 2-part ladies and unison men when I do parts. This show is being done by a high school about an hour from here. I have not seen any of their shows yet - I will in March - but they typically have more girls than guys. However, this commissioned piece is for a town's bicentennial and it is being opened to an additional Catholic high school, so that will open up the talent pool for this particular show.

Some info here: http://www.rivertownthemusical.com/

[beltingbaritone]

Posted: 12/23/08 at 6:08pm

I'd say Soprano/Alto/Baritone harmony would be the safest way to go, but for highly climactic points in the show, I don't think it would hurt to throw in 4 part or higher.

Good luck! =)