What is the role of the "bass" section in a choir?

The bass section in a choir plays a crucial role by singing the lowest vocal range. This section is essential for creating depth and harmony within the chorus, as it provides the foundational bass lines that support the higher vocal parts, such as sopranos and altos. By producing the lower pitches, the basses contribute to a fuller, richer sound that is integral to the overall choral balance.

While melodic embellishments are often performed by other vocal parts, the primary function of the bass section is to establish and maintain the harmonic structure of the music. Basses do not typically sing the highest vocal range, which is a characteristic of the soprano section, and individual solos are usually performed by members of different sections rather than being a designated function of the bass choir part. Therefore, the bass section's distinctive role in handling the lower pitches is vital for the choral arrangement as a whole.