Heyy! long time no post from me :). i know the below may seem wordy, but read it anyway, its quite interesting! more importantly try your best to follow this Vocal Health Advice. the worse thing that could happen prior to competition is members falling sick! and the worser thing that could happen is FALLING SICK in ITALY. its happened to me before and its no fun at all. so PLEASE take care of yourselves and your voices.

I. Hydration
The vocal folds need to be lubricated with a thin layer of mucus in order to vibrate efficiently. The best lubrication can be achieved by drinking plenty of water. A good rule of thumb (if you have normal kidneys and heart function) is to drink at least two quarts of water daily. Dr. Van Lawrence, world renowned Laryngologist, often said, “Drink until you pee pale.”
Caffeine and alcohol pull water out of your system and deplete the vocal folds of needed lubrication. Caffeinated drinks include coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Small amounts of these beverages are acceptable but must be counterbalanced by drinking more water.
Another factor that can affect lubrication is a dry air environment. The cause can be from gas furnaces, air conditioners, and climates with a low amount of moisture in the air. Using a humidifier at night can compensate for the dryness.
The air in airplanes is extremely dry. It is recommended that you avoid alcoholic, caffeinated beverages and drink at least 8 ounces of water per hour while flying.
Dr. Lawrence often recommended a favorite gargle recipe: 1/2 tsp. of salt, 1/2 tsp. of baking soda, 1/2 tsp. of clear corn syrup, and 6 oz. of warmed, distilled water. Gargle quietly and gently for two long, boring minutes. Do not rinse and use as often as necessary to help your dry, irritated throat.
In addition, Entertainer’s Secret® (800 308-7452) throat spray is an effective way to help moisturize the vocal folds (follow the directions on the label).

II. Throat Clearing & Harsh Coughing
Throat clearing and harsh coughing are traumatic to the vocal cords and should be reduced as much as possible. One of the most frequent causes for throat clearing and coughing is thick mucus (due to dry vocal folds) or too much mucus (as with a cold) on or below the vocal folds. The safest and most efficient way to clear mucus is by using a gentle, breathy productive cough where there is high airflow with little sound. This can be achieved by using the following strategy: take in as deep a breath as possible, momentarily hold your breath, and produce a sharp, silent “H” sound while you expel the air.