Problem: Article: Saltwater test strips are easy to use and are a cheaper alternative to a testing kit. However, a testing kit may give you a more accurate reading of the chlorine levels of the pool. Be sure to choose a kit or strips formulated for use in saltwater pools. You can find saltwater test strips and kits from pool supply stores as well as online. Dunk the saltwater test strips into the water, then compare the color the paper turns with the provided chart to find out how much chlorine is in the water. Alternatively, fill up a test kit with water from the pool. Add the specified number of the appropriate droplets to the chlorine chamber and compare the color of the water to the provided chart to find out the chlorine level.  Make sure you’re testing free chlorine, not total chlorine, as the free chlorine is what is available to kill germs and bacteria in the water. Follow the specific directions including with your test strips or kit. Saltwater pools require “free” chlorine to kill harmful bacteria that could make swimmers sick. On average, your saltwater pool should have a free chlorine reading of 1.0 to 3.0 ppm. If the level drops below 1.0 ppm, the water is not safe to swim in until chlorine is added.
Summary: Obtain saltwater test strips or a testing kit. Test the free chlorine levels in the pool weekly. Aim for a free chlorine reading of 1.0 to 3.0 ppm.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: It is important to pick a song that fits the occasion, but it also should be easy for you to sing. At home, you can try to sing through songs. A good one won’t make your throat feel tight or sound hoarse. This protects your voice from damage but also gives you a chance to feel comfortable on stage. At church, for example, try singing “Amazing Grace” if you have a high vocal range. You might want to sing “How Great Is Our God” if you have a low range. Naturally, it’s important to know what you are singing before you go on stage. Spend some reading the lyrics aloud. Think about what the words mean, since developing an understanding of them solidifies memory. After you feel comfortable with a line or two, move on to the next ones. Use a unidirectional microphone or speaker system. Face the speaker so the microphone points away from it. This way, you’ll learn to prevent the hiss of feedback as well as have an opportunity to hear how you sound over equipment. Get a longer cord if you need to walk around with the mic.  If you don’t have equipment at home or need exposure, try a karaoke bar or open mic night in your area. Avoid using omnidirectional microphones, which pick up sound from all sides. These are useful for lower volume sounds in studios and sound stages. Try to use the same equipment you’ll use during the performance, if possible. This way, you can familiarize yourself with the location. You may feel more comfortable once you get on stage. You’ll also be aware of how much space you have to move in and how it makes you sound. On stage, you won’t have time to listen to yourself singing. To adjust, memorize how the song feels as you begin practicing it. Learn the song structure, matching the words with the notes they need to be sung at. When you can hit a high C, for example, you’ll know what it feels like. It’ll feel different from a low C. You’ll feel more comfortable when you’re on stage because you’ll be able to feel yourself hitting the notes. Set practice times are fine. Singing outside those sessions is also a good idea. You don’t need to sing at maximum volume all the time. Whether you’re brushing your hair, traveling, or shopping, go through the lyrics or practice tough notes. You’ll memorize the song while stretching your vocal cords. Some performances, such as for musicals, require you to move around a lot on stage. For these, try walking quickly around your home. Try to change directions as soon as you think of the next line. At first, you may only be comfortable with singing in front of your dog or cat. Start there if you need to. Work your way up to friends, family, or a vocal coach. People you trust will listen to you without judgment. They’re often a good source for constructive criticism. It’s easiest to start with people you trust, such as friends or family. Sing your song for them and have them tell you where you can improve. Vocal coaches are a good choice, but strangers may have the most honesty to contribute.  Accept all feedback with a smile and a thanks, even when you’re sure it’s not useful to you. Outside opinions may be found at karaoke nights, open mic nights, on a street promenade, or over a camp fire. Keep in mind that not everyone will want to listen and many others are not singing experts.

SUMMARY: Choose a song that fits the occasion and your vocal range. Read through the lyrics a few lines at a time. Sing into a microphone and speaker system. Practice on the stage where you’ll perform. Focus on the feeling of hitting the right notes. Practice while performing daily activities. Sing for people you trust. Ask people for feedback on your singing.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: This will begin to form your embouchure. Your lips should be in front of your teeth, slightly pursed, and your chin is flat. If you can’t whistle, make an owl sound. The shape your mouth makes when you say “hoot” is the correct shape. The reed should rest gently between your lips and be just far enough in your mouth to vibrate when you blow out air. Keep the tip of the reed just past the fleshy part of your bottom lip.  Make sure your bottom lip is covering your teeth. Never bite on the reed. Your lips are the only part of your body that should touch the reed. Make sure your lips are completely sealed around the reed so the air is going into the oboe. Exhale to produce a noise. Inhale through your nose, then repeat. You do not need to be pressing any keys to make a sound. Create basic notes by pressing down different keys while blowing into your oboe. Look at a fingering chart online or find one in a music book to learn which keys to press for which notes. Practice these notes until you can create a consistent tune and pitch. C, B, A, and G are notes that you'll use in most songs so they're a good place to start. If your notes sound shaky, work on your embouchure and breathing.
Summary:
Bring your lips together as if you’re whistling. Place the reed on your lower lip while keeping your mouth round. Surround the reed with your lips and blow out to create a sound. Practice playing beginner notes like C, B, A, and G with a fingering chart.