In the final 2008 ASM session on Sunday, Agata and Jadwiga told us about the voice situation in Poland, then encouraged us to join them in practical work. Exercises for resonance, registers and intonation aimed for good posture, deepening breathing, strengthening the muscles involved in voice production, “painting” sound with “colours” and making Big Hungry bear groans to centre the voice.
They have developed these exercises for their students who attend a three year Teacher Training College that leads to a degree in English language teaching in Polish primary, middle and secondary schools. During the three years students are subject to 120 hours of pronunciation instruction and 30 hours of voice work.
We were impressed to learn that the medical profession in Poland recognise the need for voice care. Also, that every four years all teachers are obliged to attend for an examination of their larynx, and that free medical care is in place. Together with the Labour Health Care Centre in Pozna they offer voice courses to teachers in schools. These courses consist of three workshops: the first is a medical presentation by an MD and next two are lead by Agata or Jadwiga. We were pleased to hear that during workshops they use the 6 minute video “Anatomy of Voice” which VCN has supplied to its members for many years.
Roz Comins