Vocal Technique

After being part of a chorus since the third grade, I have discovered what I personally need to do in order to breathe correctly when singing. I have found that being relaxed is my biggest problem. With tension in my neck, jaw, and tongue the sound that comes out feels forced. When I relax, by either rolling my neck or massaging my tongue underneath the jaw I notice a difference in the sound. Not only is it easier to be louder, but it sounds more fluid. Also, I have a tendency to slightly lower my chest when I'm running out of breath. A goal of mine is to sing phrases without feeling the need to collapse. I can do this by taking a low breath and picturing my ribs rising while I'm singing.