Revitalising Your Repertoire: Young Singers
It's always challenging to find great repertoire for young singers to work on. Not only do the lyrics need to be age appropriate, it still needs to fun to practise and have some technical challenges to help the singer develop. Take a look at these songs, we hope they might help bring something new to your song list or spark some ideas!
“Naughty” from Matilda
This charming and quirky song is bright and bouncy and has a lyric that is great fun to interpret. Careful not to let your rhythm flatten out, keep the 'swung' feeling throughout. Warm Me Up's Mouth Workout category will really help with this song. We need to understand all the lyrics because, after all, who doesn't like being a little bit naughty, just like Matilda herself!
“Gary Indiana” from The Music Man
This song is for a boy with an unbroken voice. It may not suit everyone as it's quite high and may need to be put down a tone or two. But it's a really short tune and very cute, and the character has a lisp. Take a listen to firstly the Original Broadway Cast, and then a very young Ron Howard (!) gives it all he can in the film version (but he might need some time on Warm Me Up… what do you think?)
“Once You Lose Your Heart” from Me And My Girl
For a young soprano this beautiful tune is heartfelt and sweet. Take note that the second chorus is slower than the first and, as always, it will take some breath control - a good challenge. Click here for a version sung by Donna Vivino. Don't be thrown by the poor quality video taken in a high school production - a quick Google search will reveal that she ended up playing Elphaba (1st National Tour of Wicked), so it's fascinating to see her at 17! And here’s the original cast recording:
“All Good Gifts” from Godspell
A teenage male might find this song useful for his song list as it has a lovely folky feel. It may be a little high for some younger singers but is easily transposable when purchased online
It's important to keep the rhythm correct (not backphrased) to give it energy. It is also easily cut down for an audition. Here is the secret press footage pre-opening for the revival cast.
“If Momma Was Married” from Gypsy
Though this song is a duet, it can easily be used as a solo for an audition. The middle section can be cut easily, and there are lots of big jumps in it, so ‘extend your range’ in your warm up! Here is the film version, starring Natalie Wood.