Effects of Conductor Preparatory Gesture Direction on Abdominal Expansion of Teenage Singers

Abstract

This study examined teenage participants’ (N=30) lateral abdominal expansion while breathing before singing America and viewing a videotaped conductor demonstrating an upward or downward preparatory gesture. PhiMatrix grid overlay software placed over participant videos allowed for measurement of abdominal expansion in millimeters. Results indicated: (a) a difference in abdominal expansion measurement, although not significant, between breaths taken while observing upward and downward conductor preparatory gestures; (b) no significant overall difference on measurement of lateral abdominal expansion when comparing all participants; (c) participants with knowledge of diaphragmatic breathing had consistently larger abdominal measurements than participants with little to no knowledge; (d) male participants consistently displayed larger abdominal measurements when compared to female participants in three out of the four categories; (e) female participants demonstrated a larger abdominal measurement while viewing the downward preparatory gesture than while viewing the upward preparatory gesture; and (f) participants with more choir experience results were not significantly different than participants with less choir experience.