DARE TO BE AN ALTO SINGER?

Today, I'll be taking a look at some of the troubles alto singers go through. Many composers and music directors will agree with me on the important roles that altos play in a piece of music but they are at times considered as talkatives (which is true), trouble makers (also true) and neglected.

1. Singing the same note over and over again

This is one reason why people like to rearrange baptist hymns. Just because of that long chain of "dohs" and "sols" and ending the music with the common and boring 'doh ti sol'

2. You are expected to know how to read notes on the alto clef

Actually, I find this necessary but it shouldn't be a compulsory criteria for being an alto singer. Most composers hardly write music for the alto clef.

3. No matter how loud the scream, the old music director still can't hear you

Nobody knows how that happens, but the choir master suddenly becomes deaf when the altos start to sing and rings out, "Hey, altos, why aren't you singing? Do you want me to take your voice box out of your body?"

4. When alto becomes lower than tenor

I don't know what gets into some composers' minds but this cruelty should end. This kind of barbarism can be seen in the fourth bar of "O Fatal Day" No. 82 from Handel's Saul.

5. The unnecessary stigmatization against male alto singers

Most male alto singers have to live with answering a stupid question such as, "you are an alto singer. Are you gay?". Male altos don't deserve this kind of treatment and stigmatization. They are talented as compared to their female counterparts and trust me, they will win your girl's heart and steal her from you.

6. When a soprano is given the alto solo

Music directors who do this have a special place in hell. I mean - it's clearly written. ALTO ARIA!!!!!!

But aside these issues, Alto singers have the sweetest and most patient characters. Moreover, their part is what makes every piece of music written for voices interesting. Think of "And the Glory of the Lord" from Handel's Messiah or that passing note in the hymn "Hosanna Loud Hossana". And remember that's where the freshest girls are. Trust me! Keep calm and tell any alto singer that you appreciate him or her.