John Parker’s FIVE TIPS to effectively say. . .

WELCOME BACK, SINGERS!

Summer is nearly over, and boy did it fly by quickly! Between trips to the beach/mountains, catching up on much needed rest, and general decompressing, you’ve hardly had time to invest much energy in the coming year. Well, wake up friend, summer is over and your singers are arriving any day! So, as you close out your summer and head back into the choir room, here are a few simple reminders to help you prepare for this next year of choir:

1. BE HIGHLY ORGANIZED 

     This should go without saying, right? And yet, it never hurts to bring it up, just in case we’re still experiencing a bit of ‘summer fog.’ All plans for the upcoming year of singing should be nearly complete, with many of details well under way. Your singing space should be clean, well-ordered and inviting. Choir folders should be cleaned out and filled with new music and sharp pencils. Pianos should be properly tuned and all pertinent equipment repaired. Now you’re ready!

2. LEARN NAMES QUICKLY

     It is so important to get to know new singers quickly. This immediately shows them how much you care about them. Learn all you can about your newbies before they arrive on day one. Name tags are always a good idea in the early days to help everyone make good connections. Allowing plenty of time on day one for singers to get to know each other is critical toward building community and ensemble unity.

3. SHARE THE VISION

     Be prepared to share your vision for the upcoming year with your choir. Be sure to cover key rehearsal/performance dates and big events. Let them see your excitement and passion for leading them, clarifying expectations and operational guidelines as you go. Allow adequate space in your plan for ensemble input, buy-in, preferences and redirection. It is important for your choir to know that your vision is their vision too.

4. HAVE SOME FUN

     Plan something fun for day one that will help singers interact. Keep it simple, but make sure it gets them laughing and relaxed. This will go a long way toward building comradery and team in your ensemble.

5. GET THEM SINGING 

     Just as soon as all the preliminaries are complete, you’ll want to get your singers singing as soon as possible. After all, that’s why they’re there, right? Make at least some of your singing selections on day one songs that give your choir early success. Singers should leave your rehearsal room on day one feeling excited about the choir’s potential to make beautiful sounds together.

John Parker is a conductor, composer, clinician, author and publisher residing in Austin, TX. He can be contacted here.

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