How To Choose The Right Synchronized Swimming Music

Need to know how to choose the right synchronized swimming music? This is a good question to ask; when a team of eight ladies are being asked to execute, in unison, underwater moves like the eggbeater, skull, split, twirl, float, flamingo, crane and boost, the music selection is key. Whether performing as a team, a duet or solo at a synchronized swimming event, the right music can have a positive or negative effect on the overall performance and the final standings in a competition. The sport of synchronized swimming has evolved from the ornamental swimming developed by Canadian water polo player Margaret Sellers back in the 1920s. The water sport art form grew to worldwide popularity through aqua movies starring Esther Williams during the 1940s and 1950s. Choosing the right synchronized swimming music contributed to her beautifully choreographed water swimming performances. Beginning in 1948, synchronized swimming, formerly known as ornamental swimming, was added as an exhibition sport at the Olympics, and in 1984 synchronized swimming made its first appearance as a full Olympic event at the Los Angeles games. Since its addition to the Olympic games, the United States and Canada have won every synchronized swimming gold and silver medal.

1. Consider the age of the team members. An athlete aged ten and under would not be expected to render a thrilling interpretation of Bolero, as would an athlete of twenty-one years of age. There should be harmony between the selected music and maturity level of the athlete.
2. Consider the skill level of the team members. Intricate musical selections will reveal the skill weaknesses of the inexperienced athlete, while it will highlight the strengths of the more experienced athlete.
3. Choose music with tempo changes. Musical selections with a variety of movements will maintain the interest of the audience, and help the athlete deliver an energetic and crisp performance.
4. Choose musical selections that are in harmony with each other. Splice music selections to develop a theme or tell a story, which will serve as a basis for routine choreography.
5. Choose music appropriate for the venue. If the synchronized swim team is to perform before an audience of adolescents, musical selections from "Les Misérables" may not be appropriate.

Choosing the right synchronized swimming music is sometimes the difference between first and last place at a synchronized swimming competition. The right synchronized swimming music should both inspire the athlete to perform to the best of her ability and entertain the audience.