If Ye Are Prepared

This post was provided by Matthew from Learn Singing Reviews. Matthew reviews various programs for learning singing and recommends singorama.

The following are tips for choir directors in leading a choir, whether for students who are in a program to learn singing or for professional choir members. Note: as a choir director, remember that many times, a choir member is a volunteer.

First Tip:

Arranging the rehearsal time and the types of rehearsals. It is very important to remember that the choir members have their own personal lives and the director should understand that each of the individuals in the choir have their own schedule. Ask the members to submit their schedules to schedule rehearsal days and hours. Indicate in the schedule the type of rehearsal and the times of the performances, if any.

Second Tip:

Choose a musical repertoire that will successfully represent the reason for the choir. Discuss the options with the members and agree to the number of songs they need to learn within a limited time period, say one week. Do not push musical scores that the choir, as a whole, do not like. Take a tip from Glee and Mr. Shuester’s refusal to allow modern pop music to be sung. Allow the members to come up with their own choices and as a group discuss the merits and disadvantages of each to settle on a final song list.

Third Tip:

Challenge the members of the choir to perform to the best of their abilities so they can become a group to beat. As a group, set the standards expected from them so they all perform to those levels. This way, any lax behavior are avoided.

Fourth Tip:

Be prepared for the unexpected. Should any choir member get sick or any other reasons that could make them miss out on rehearsals, someone should be able to take that member’s place in the choir positions. This way, the music will not suffer for the absence of one or several.

To submit your posts, contact us via email!