Reading Choir Music Arrangements?

Question

I know that, in choir music, the top note in the treble clef is soprano, and the bottom is alto. Also, the top note in the bass clef is tenor, and the bottom is bass. But how do you perform the music when, say, the treble clef has a triad (three notes in a single chord). Who sings what? Same question for the bass clef. When the chord is more than two notes, who sings what, and how do you divide that up? Thanks

-Mike

Thanks for the answer! Do you know how to decide whether to divide it into two alto and one spoprano or two soprano and one alto? or is it just a matter of preference?

Answer 1

Boo. Higher voices don't equal better voices. High school kids always assume that bc they don't know any better. Please don't listen to that foolish comment.

To answer your question, you can split into sections within the main section (ie tenor 1, tenor 2). If there is a split of 3 or more, that can be handled the same way, or the nearest voice part of another section (ie bass 1 or alto 2) could sing the highest or lowest line. It is best to just follow the melody or vocal line and see who can make the jump the most easily.

Answer 2

When there is a split in the clef then you have soprano 1,2 parts etc. and you divide your soprano/alto/tenor/bass section to sing the two or more harmony parts along with the rest of the choir. Musical harmony comes in more than just 4 parts for voices I have heard of some pieces written for a choir where each person sings a slightly different harmony.(28 part harmony - insane)

Answer 3

My choir teacher would usually let the more advanced singers sing the higher notes. The better singers are 1st soprano.