Pre-show Check List
Some Do's and Dont's on performance day
DO get to bed early the night before. A good night's sleep ensures that your mind is sharp and your vocal cords are rested.
DO warm up gently the morning of the performance. Like the rest of your body, the vocal cords and surrounding muscles can stiffen up during sleep due to inactivity and reduced circulation. Vocalize using SLS exercises to warm up the muscles and re-state the coordinations required for balanced singing.
DON'T take a nap. Like the rest of your body, the vocal cords and surrounding muscles can stiffen up during sleep...
DO exercise. A moderate amount of exercise increases vascular dilation of the capillaries which "warms up" the voice faster. Some exercise can also increase energy levels for performance stamina.
DO begin sipping on water at least 3 hours before the show. It takes 2-3 hours for the water you drink to be absorbed into your body and hydrate your vocal cords from the inside. If your voice feel dry onstage, it's too late by then...the water you drink between songs will hydrate you for your after-show party.
DON'T drink alcohol or coffee before a show. These will dehydrate you. Some people take a drink to relax their nerves, but competence (not Campari) brings confidence.
DON'T drink excessive lemon juice (lemon and honey, etc.) to eliminate vocal phlegm. Citric acid does cut mucous, but it does too good of a job, also affecting the layers of mucous that contribute to the healthy lubrication of mucous membranes. Your body will respond by producing even MORE mucous to protect these membranes, Drink more water to thin out these secretions and reduce the build up of phlegm.
DO vocalize a bit more before going on stage. Humming, lip trills, or tongue rolls will massage and re-balance the voice right before showtime.
DON'T over-practice. You can't cram for good vocal technique and if you don't know the song arrangement by then, chances are you won't learn it 10 minutes before curtain. Don't use up your best singing in the green room...only to be hoarse on stage.
-Spencer Welch
*Used with permission