Loma Linda University Health
ENT Professors Teach Vocal and Choral Students How to Protect Their Voices
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LARRY KIDDER
ingers can easily damage their voices if they aren’t careful. It doesn’t matter if they’re a world-renowned soloist or a member of a junior high choir: the consequences of singing the wrong way can ruin their voices — sometimes permanently. “Singers require specialized treatment for their voice problems,” explains Thomas Murry, Ph.D., professor of speech pathology in otolaryngology head and neck surgery, Loma Linda University Health, “much like super athletes require specialized treatment for their orthopedic problems.” Murry and his colleague, Brianna Crawley, M.D., an ear, nose and throat surgeon at Loma Linda University Health, regularly share their knowledge of the human voice with young singers as well as give tips on how to recognize problems or avoid them in the first place.
Thomas Murry, Ph.D., speaks with members of the Clement Middle School choirs about how to protect their voices from some of the more common problems experienced by singers.
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pacificunionrecorder.com
Members of three choirs at Clement Middle School in Redlands, Calif., heard Murry speak about understanding and protecting their voices Sept. 22, 2015. More than 60 sixth, seventh, and eighth graders listened as he explained ways to recognize and avoid common problems experienced by singers. On this particular day, Crawley, who had planned to join Murry for the presentation, was involved in a surgery case that went longer than expected. Murry and Crawley, both specialists in caring for people with voice disorders, had given a similar presentation the day before to voice majors at the University of Redlands. Their research into voice disorders has been widely recognized, and they have been asked to present their findings at upcoming conferences in Santa Clara, Calif.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Paris, France.
Murry shared illustrations of the vocal cords, more accurately known as vocal folds, explaining the structures, how they work, and showing some of the problems that can develop from misuse. John Gann, director of instrumental and vocal music at Clement, worked with Murry and Crawley to arrange for the presentation. Gann directs beginning and advanced choirs and bands, as well as a string orchestra, for approximately 1,000 students at the school. “Around 20 percent of our students are involved in our music program,” says Gann. “We’re so fortunate to have such strong support.” Following the presentation, students were given opportunity to ask questions.
Larry Kidder