What does "tuning" in choir practice primarily involve?

Tuning in choir practice primarily involves ensuring that all singers are singing in pitch. This process is essential because when singers are in tune with one another, it creates a harmonious and unified sound. Pitch refers to the perceived frequency of a sound, and in a choral setting, it is crucial that all voices are aligned in their musical notes.

During tuning, the choir might use various methods, such as singing scales, using a piano or tuner for reference, or employing techniques like drones or pitch pipes to establish a reference pitch. This helps singers to adjust their individual voices to match the overall harmony of the group. When all members are in tune, it enhances the overall sound quality and makes the performance more pleasing to the audience.

Other options do not capture the essence of tuning. While adjusting loudness and practicing breath control are important aspects of choir singing, they do not specifically focus on the concept of pitch. Changing the tempo relates to the speed of the music rather than the accuracy of the notes being sung, which is why they are not relevant to the concept of tuning in this context.