Effects of Choir Spacing and Riser Step Heights on Acoustic and Perceptual Measures of SATB Choir Sound Acquired From Four Microphone Positions in Two Performance Halls

Abstract

We assessed the effects of singing in two venues on acoustic and perceptualmeasures of performances by an SATB choir ( N = 28) as it sang in three spacing conditions, on two different riser unit heights, with data acquired from four microphone locations in each hall. Among primary acoustic results, long-term average spectra measures yielded a systematic pattern of significant contrasts between close and spread spacing conditions, with decreasing high-frequency energy as space between singers increased, regardless of venue, riser unit, or microphone location. Unlike previous findings with 12-in. (0.30-m) riser step heights, a doubled 16-in. (0.41-m) height did not enhance this pattern. Primary perceptual results were as follows: (a) All choristers (100%) thought spread singer spacing facilitated best hearing of their own voices in relation to the rest of the ensemble. (b) Nearly all singers (96%) reported their most comfortable vocal production in spread spacing. (c) All choristers thought the doubled riser step heights influenced choral sound, but 78% described vocal production as most comfortable with spread spacing on the regular riser unit. We discuss results in terms of implications for choral pedagogy and directions for future research.

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