| Abstract [eng] |
The present final paper presents an analysis of the possibilities of overcoming stress in youth choir as seen by the conductors. Stress affects people differently: some tend to focus and feel motivated while others experience accelerated breathing and stiffening. In case of experiencing this condition in choir, ways to reduce stress should be investigated. The research object is stress manifestation and/or management in youth choir. The goal of the study is to analyze the stress experienced by young people and its management methods in choir activities. The following objectives were formulated in order to achieve the set goal: to define and present the concept of stress and stressor; to define the concept of choir and to reveal the importance of musical education; to discuss the particularities of conductor’s work and stressful situations in choir activities; to identify the possible stress manifestation and management in youth choir; to carry out an empirical research aimed at determining the point of view of the conductors and singers towards stress and its management in choir activities. The research was carried out using the triangulation method: a total of 50 respondents from Atžalynas and Studium Youth Choirs participated in questionnaire-based surveys and 5 conductors of youth choirs took part in an international interview. Conclusions: 1) stress is a feeling of tension, a reaction to irritants and environmental changes. Stress manifests via mental, emotional or physical planes. When one is under stress, their bodies experience certain changes: special hormones are released, the heart rhythm accelerates, the breathing and blood flow speed up; 2) musical education is the communication among people and formation of a personality based on the values of music, art and culture. Choir singing is a complex concept comprised of choir singers, managers and choir activities. Taking part in choir activities is much like a therapy of its own and a way to spend one’s time culturally, make life more interesting and enrich one’s spiritual world. The success of choir activities depends on the competency of the conductor, repertoire, singers and their ability to perform, material and technical factors and institutional and organizational support. 3) the conductor’s duties are based on personal competencies, such as personality traits, leadership skills, etc. and professional competencies, such as conducting technique, musical thinking, having an ear for music, etc. Non-verbal communication is especially important in conductor’s life. The level of experienced stress depends on the experience of the performers. Manager’s stress brings forth anxiety in all singers. 4) the stress in junior choir can be recognized through the emotions, behavior and psychophysiological actions of the singers. Traditional methods of stress management include prayers, meditation, massage and muscle relaxation. Stress management methods can be recommended but can also be harmful. 5) the analysis and summation of the results of the qualitative and quantitative researches revealed that many of the choir singers experienced stress. All conductors have noticed the manifestations of stress in various choir activities. Stress in singers is brought on by the sense of responsibility, learning of the musical material, singing experience, musical skills, attitude towards the activities held by the choir manager, interrelationships, testing of choir songs, singing alone, insufficient preparation for rehearsals, etc. The conductors should be exemplary performers and show creativity in all they do. Their objective is to retain the balance between the quality requirements and friendly and honest communication with the choir members. The respondents noted that they used breathing exercises and paid attention to the quality of their rest and sleep when they wanted to calm down. The conductors recommended focusing on interrelationships of choir singers, self-analysis and early preparation for concerts. According to the conductors, all singers should feel a healthy amount of thrill before performances and choir activities should not stress young people out. |
