o]_+_[-o][-o]_, but the
tendency to sing the first sound short and prolong the second is very
slight usually. _O_, then, can be used to represent a simple element.
_[-U]_, which equals _e_+_oo_, is best sung by making the initial
sound short and the vanish the longer tone.

It will thus be seen that of the five vowel names, _a_, _e_, _i_, _o_,
_u_, _e_ only stands for one sound, though the two sounds of _o_ are so
closely allied that the vanish is often imperceptible. The sound of [-a]
in [)a]t is the most unfavorable sound for song in the language, and
those extremely consistent singers who wish to use it can do so.

The nasal twang of Yankeedom is a plant that needs no nourishing. Its
roots are grown wide and deep; so much so, that those who love it need
not fear that it will pine away and die, if it bears no fruit of song,
but only that of speech.

The sound of _[)a]_ will survive even if it is unused in song. It should
in singing be broadened nearly to the sound of _ah_.

A number of simple elements are suggested which may be used in various
ways in vocal drill. They are _[-e]_, _[)i]_, _[)e]_, _[:a]_, _[a:]_,
_[-o]_, _[)oo]_. Or _[-e]_ (as in _be_), _[)i]_ (as in _it_), _eh_,
_ah_, _aw_, _[-o]_ (as in _go_), _[)oo]_. The vowel-elements remaining
are each so closely allied to some of those indicated that the attempt
to differentiate them from the above in vowel-drill is hardly worth
while. In fact, the use of _[)i]_-- _i_ as in _it_-- may be omitted if
pupils have learned to sing _[-e]_ with fair breadth of sound, and _oo_
may be dropped in grades above the primary. It is the final sound of
_[-o]_, as before said. This leaves five vowel-elements.

_E._

This vowel is often badly sung, and its form is none too favorable to
good tone even when made as large as distinctness will allow. The lips
must be drawn a little away from the teeth as in a smile, _but don't
overdo it_, and the teeth slightly parted. The lips should not be drawn
back, exposing the teeth and gums, nor should they be contracted and
pressed against the teeth. In _e_ and in all vowel singing the lips
should be relaxed, not contracted, and kept about as far from the teeth
as they are in repose. If the opening of the mouth, that is, if the
cavity back of the teeth is kept too small and narrow, the tone will be
nasal and twangy. The mouth must be opened enough to permit purity of
tone and free emission. The sound should verge toward _i_ in _it_.