I’m a life-long first alto chorister.

Okay, technically my voice type is mezzo-soprano. I’m proudly a soloist whenever given the opportunity. I’ll happily sing second soprano or second alto if that’s requested of me, because balance is everything. (If first soprano is requested of me, I have some serious misgivings about the quality of the choir I’m in. I’m proud of my voice, but let’s be honest: God never intended it to make noises that high.)

Nobody wants it. NOBODY. (x)

The first alto section is where I’ve put down roots, and I’m happy to have done so. I’ll tell you why.

The unique vantage point of the first alto is this: you are virtually always in the centre of the chord. Mixed choir, women’s chorus, it doesn’t matter. Sure there are SSA pieces, but most of the time you sing somewhere in the middle of forty, or eighty or three hundred other singers.

And it’s fucking magical.

People often don’t believe me on this, so let’s clear up some misgivings right now:

Aren’t notes harder to find when it’s not the base or the melody?

Hell yes, sometimes they are.

Britney gets me. (x)

Why would you want to sing a part that doesn’t make melodic sense by itself?

I don’t sing in choir to sing by myself. I sing in choir deliberately so I can work with several dozen other bass-ass musicians to create something bigger than myself. Sure it sounds kind of weird when I’m practicing between rehearsals in my apartment, but my shower singing can be pretty out there to begin with.

My land lords have to listen to this.

Do you have something against sopranos?

Some of my best friends are sopranos.

and I #$%&!@ love them. (x)

Seriously though people. Love your voice type, and it will love you back. Sing where your voice is most comfortable with strong technique and you’re on your way to a fabulous ensemble.

The alto line is bor-ing.

You are welcome to your opinion, but your opinion is still wrong. (x)

Put down the pop music and introduce yourself to literally any classical composer ever.

But how can you be a good singer if you can’t sing high notes?

Even this toddler is appalled by your ignorance. (x)

Please. When the altos rock a low G you’ll be quivering in your boots. Next.

But half the time as an audience member I can’t pick out your part!

Perhaps that’s because you’re not supposed to. Different voice parts are highlighted at different times, but often harmony lines aren’t mean to stick out the way the melody or a descant line does. If it’s all blending together, that’s where the magic happens.

Me too, Harry. Me too. (x)

But in all seriousness. The alto line is depth. It’s what give the piece more colour and interest. It gives the melody something play off of, or play with. You may not be able to pick us out of a four note chord, but you would miss us if we weren’t there.