Why Solfeg?

So why do we use Curwen Handsigns for solfeg? The question has been asked by choir students for decades. While it may seem burdensome, it's actually very practical. Your body is an instrument. However, unlike an instrument you can't move your fingers in a certain position and get an A flat. Or can you? By using the handsigns, you can have a physical position to "feel the pitch." When you practice a lot with the hand signs, you can develop the skills to sing notes more accurately because you have a physical attribute to the sound. Keep practicing, it pays off later!