"Deem it not trifling while I recommend

What posture suits: to stand and sit by turns,
As nature prompts, is best; but o'er your leaves
To lean, for ever cramps the vital parts,
And robs the fine machinery of its play."

ARMSTRONG.

PHYSICAL AND VOCAL TRAINING.

I.

POSITION AND CARRIAGE OF THE BODY

IN

N reading aloud, the bodily attitude is the first thing that requires attention. When a pupil stands up to read, we may judge beforehand what will be the character of his performance by the position assumed. The timid posture, with bent spine and contracted chest, will be accompanied by a feeble drawl; and the awkward, indifferent attitude will precede a hard, unsympathetic tone of voice, or mumbling utterance; while from one who takes an attitude of dignity and self-respect we may look for that honest and earnest effort which insures progress and improvement. The pupil should therefore secure a good position as a habit whenever he is using his voice.

All the muscles used in producing voice must act with ease and elasticity; and this comes from the right kind of practice or exercise. No one will do his best who, through laziness, negligence, or ignorance, allows the vocal machinery to become enfeebled and ineffective. In fact, the influence of physical conditions extends even to the mental and moral habit. shall therefore have more vivacious, intelligent, and expressive reading where proper care is taken with regard to the management of the body.

We

A few moments at every session should be devoted to drill in the physical and vocal exercises. They are not all required in any one lesson, but a judicious use of them at proper intervals will greatly improve the carriage of the body, expand the chest, and give freedom to the voice.

The drill should always be carried on in a cheerful and

buoyant spirit. It must never be allowed to degenerate into a dull and lifeless routine.

See that the air of the school-room is pure before taking up any exercise. Neither teacher nor pupils can work to advan

tage in a vitiated atmosphere.

In conducting the drill, GIVE BUT ONE COMMAND AT A TIME; and NEVER GIVE A SECOND TILL THE FIRST IS OBEYED.

I. Sitting Position.

1. Rest the feet fully on the floor, forming an angle of sixty degrees.

2. Sit (not lean) as far back in the seat as possible; supporting the lower part of the spine against the back of the chair.

SITTING POSITION.

3. Knees bent nearly at a right angle.

4. Body square to the front. 5. Chest expanded.

6. Hands fall easily in the lap, little fingers downward. 7. Shoulders square.

8. Shoulder-blades flat. 9: Head erect; not tipped in either direction.

10. Chin slightly drawn in. 11. Raise the form to the full height.

12. Poise the body slightly forward.

14. Ear, shoulder, and hip in line.

These particulars should be taught carefully, one at a time. After they are once learned, it is sufficient for the teacher to give simply the words of command, which should be obeyed with military promptness.

This position should be frequently practised as an exercise; but pupils should be required to remain in it only a few minutes at a time. The younger the scholars, the oftener should they be allowed to change their position.

Words of command: READY!

POSITION!

POSITION AND CARRIAGE OF THE BODY.

II. Poise forward and back.

15

First. Incline slowly forward thirty degrees, or till touching the desk in front, without

accustom the pupil to incline the body forward or backward without contracting the chest, thus allowing the breathing and vocal organs freedom of action.

Words of command: PoISE FORWARD!- - POSITION!-BACKWARD!-POSITION.

III. Position of Rest.

Easily relax the muscles and lean against the back of the chair.

In conducting physical exercises, whenever the teacher's attention is diverted from the class as a whole, to give instruction to individuals, or other purpose, the class should be directed to "rest." This

for any

POSITION OF REST.

IV. Position of Attention.

POSITION OF ATTENTION.

Poise the body slightly forward, and rest the fore-arms lightly on the desk, supporting the book with both hands. Incline the book backward about thirty degrees.

In case the pupils have no desks, the book is held as in the "Reading Position," with one or both hands at intervals. Frequent opportunities for rest must be allowed when there is no support for the arms.

This position is required in concert-reading when practised

with the pupils seated; and it is the posture of attention for the class during the reading of the teacher, and of single pupils. Words of command: TAKE THE BOOKS!- ATTENTION!

STANDING POSITION.

V. Standing Position.

1. Heels in a line, and together.

2. Feet turned equally outward, forming an angle of sixty degrees.

3. Knees straight.

4. Body square to the front.

5. Chest expanded and advanced, but without constraint.

6. Arms hang easily at the side.

7. Shoulders equal height.

8. Shoulder-blades flat.

9. Head erect, raised at the crown,

not tipped in any direction.

10. Chin slightly drawn in.

11. Form raised to the full height.

12. Body poised slightly forward, so that the weight bears mainly on the ball of the foot.

13. Eyes straight to the front 14. Whole figure in such a position that the ear, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle are all in a line.