The Ultimate Tenor Stamina Test
Waving Through a Window, from the smash-hit musical Dear Evan Hansen, has become a modern anthem for Tenors. Written by Pasek and Paul, the song captures the high-speed anxiety of the protagonist, Evan. Musically, it is relentless.
The challenge isn't just hitting the notes; it is maintaining the energy. The song stays in the "passaggio" (the bridge between chest and head voice) for most of its duration, culminating in repeated high A4 belts. Let's break down how to survive the song without losing your voice.
AI Coach Tip: Manage Your Air
Many singers run out of breath during the pre-chorus build-up ("On the outside always looking in"). Practice taking quick, deep "catch breaths" between phrases. Don't gasp; allow your stomach to release outward instantly.
Phase 1: The Neurotic Verses (0:00 - 0:50)
The song begins with "I've learned to slam on the brake." This section must feel conversational and frantic. You aren't singing a melody so much as you are speaking on pitch.
The Technique: Keep your volume at a 3/10. Use crisp diction on consonants (T's, K's, and P's) to mimic the "tap, tap, tapping on the glass" feel. If you push too hard here, you will have nothing left for the end.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Climb (0:50 - 1:18)
This is where the mix voice enters. As you ascend on "I'm waving through a window," you are approaching the break in your voice. Do not pull your heavy chest voice up.
- Placement: Shift the resonance from your mouth to your nose/mask area.
- Vowel Mod: On the word "Window," modify the vowel slightly towards "Win-doh" or "Win-duh." A pure "Oh" vowel can trap the sound in the back of your throat.
Phase 3: The Sustained Belts (Final Chorus)
The climax of the song features repeated sustained A4s. This is the danger zone for vocal strain. Ben Platt achieves this with a very bright, forward "twang" sound.
To hit the A4 safely, engage your core support and think of the sound going forward out of your face, not up into the ceiling. If you feel a tickle in your throat, you are squeezing too hard. Retract the volume and add more "cry" to your tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note is an A4. While not extremely high for a Tenor, the difficulty lies in how long you have to sustain it and how many times it repeats.
It will be challenging. The tessitura (average note range) sits very high. Using the Singing Coach AI app, you can transpose the track down by -2 or -3 semitones to make it comfortable for a Baritone voice.
Ben uses a fast, fluttery vibrato that kicks in at the very end of phrases. Practice holding a straight tone for 90% of the note, then releasing the vibrato only at the last second.
