Ten Things a Choir Director Can Do
When the accompanist doesn't show up or when there is low attendance
If it hasn’t happened to you, it will. You are all geared up for a big rehearsal and your pianist fails to arrive or only a handful of choir members show up. What do you do? Standing around waiting is not the answer. Berating those who did arrive on time is also the wrong answer. So here are 10 things you can do to improve the quality of your choir and gain some better singers. This list is by far not extensive, neither is it deep, but perhaps it will save you from a few grey hairs.
1. Start on time...
This is something you should always do, but more importantly, don't hold up the start of choir rehearsal in hopes that someone else will arrive. This sends the wrong message.
2. Show gratitude to those who are faithful, and don't speak ill of those who failed to show up.
Showing gratitude to those few who arrived on time will encourage them and will reinforce the importance of promptness. Not knowing the reasons for people's tardiness and pointing out that they are late or are no-shows only makes the rest of the choir fearful that they might fall under the same condemnation the next time they are late or unable to make choir practice. You don't know who you might offend so it's always best to take the high road and say nothing.
3. Do Vocal Warm-ups
Vocal warm-ups are always appropriate. Doing some simple step-wise motion exercises, vocal slides, or humming anything to get wind moving through the vocal folds will extend the life of one’s singing career.
4. Teach proper Breathing techniques. Do Breathing Exercises
As a choir director, it should be your ministry to teach and admonish your flock of choir members. So use every opportunity to teach your choir something, It doesn't have to be long and involved, you do have music to learn. But learning how to breathe and sustain a pitch is equally important. Why not build up those few who arrived on time and make your core group, your best singers?
5. Work on Articulation
This would be equally true of articulation. Take this time to reinforce proper articulation. "Moses supposes his toses are roses." "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers." "Dot your 'I's' and cross your 'T's'."
6. Bring a Devotion
Not to say that devotions are a time-filler, but you can use this time to minister to your choir members, who, by the way, may be going through a tough time and, who may have sacrificed quite a bit to have arrived on time. The Psalms are good starting places, Our Daily Bread or a similar publication. Something that God has been speaking to you about is all good to use as a quick devo before getting underway.
7. Read a Hymn History
In a time where hymns are being side-stepped in-lew of the more contemporary songs, knowing the story behind a hymn may help your choir understand the importance of the great hymns of the Faith. History is rich with stories about great hymn writers. Use them and your singing will be much richer.
8. Work on Intonation
Got a by-tonal singer? He or she is probably your most faithful and prompt choir member. Use this time to help develop them. What do you have to lose? You might even gain a real singer.
9. Work on Intervals
Similar to vocal warm-ups but with a more directed focus. Find a song that starts with a major second, then go to a third. You got the idea. Have your choir learn intervals by associating them with something they already know. "Happy Birthday" begins with a major second. "Here Come the Bride - a major fourth.
10. Teach Musical Theory
Going one step further, teach your choir why we do what we do. A little theory goes a long way. Start with the letter names of the lines and spaces. You'd be surprised how many choir members don't know this. Counting, time signatures, and key signatures are something of an enigma to most choir members, so unlock the secret language and you will be amazed at how much better your core group performs.