5 Quick Tips for Planning an Effective Choir Rehearsal
Planning an engaging and productive choir rehearsal can feel overwhelming, especially when life’s demands make preparation difficult. Even the most organized choir leaders occasionally find themselves scrambling for a plan as rehearsal day sneaks up again (seriously, how does a week fly by so fast?).
But don’t worry—here are five simple and practical strategies to help you get back on track and make the most of your choir rehearsal, even when time is tight.
1. Define Your Goals
What’s the main purpose of this rehearsal? Are you preparing for a performance in the near future? Whether your concert is days or weeks away, take stock of what needs improvement and prioritize accordingly.
If you’re still learning the notes, focus on that. If you’re polishing details, pinpoint the areas that need finesse. Avoid trying to cover everything—less is often more when time is limited.
One common mistake is to repeatedly start every piece from the beginning during each rehearsal. While the opening sections may sound great after a few weeks, other parts often remain underprepared. Concentrate on the sections that need the most work to achieve a balanced performance.
2. Prioritize One Area for Improvement
Every choir has its strengths and areas to grow. Ask yourself: if you could improve one thing during this rehearsal, what would it be? Would you focus on tone, ensemble unity, diction, or intonation?
Choose one aspect to emphasize and center your rehearsal around it. Don’t try to fix every issue at once—it can overwhelm your singers. Focused attention on a specific area not only improves that skill but also keeps the choir engaged and motivated.
It’s important to work with the choir you have in front of you, not the idealized version in your imagination. Understand their capabilities and challenges, then tailor your rehearsal accordingly.
3. Start with Singing, Not Talking
Kick off the rehearsal with an energizing warm-up that aligns with your focus for the day. For example, if you’re working on diction, try some fun tongue-twisters. If the focus is on intonation, challenge your choir with interval exercises, such as calling out chord names and having them sing them back from a given pitch.
Avoid starting rehearsals with long announcements or administrative details. Instead, set the tone with music to get everyone engaged right away. You can save logistical discussions for a break or the end of the rehearsal.
4. Plan a Flexible Section
Rehearsals don’t always go as planned. Sometimes time flies, and you only cover half of your agenda. Other times, you might breeze through your plan and wonder what to do with the extra minutes.
To address this, include a “sacrificial” section in your plan—a piece or part of the music that you can easily skip if needed. This could be a section that’s already in good shape but could use some polishing if time allows. Having this flexibility ensures you stay on track and maintain a smooth flow.
5. End on a High Note
Nothing dampens a choir’s morale like ending a rehearsal by frantically drilling a tricky section and then running out of time. Instead, wrap things up with a positive and satisfying experience.
If you’ve worked on a specific section during the rehearsal, finish by singing it through to reinforce progress. Alternatively, conclude with a favorite piece from the repertoire that’s already polished.
At this point, resist the urge to interrupt or correct—allow the choir to enjoy the music and leave on a high note. This ensures they’ll carry the energy and enthusiasm into the next rehearsal.
Summary of Tips for Choir Rehearsal Success
- Identify the most pressing sections or pieces to work on and make them your priority.
- Choose one area for improvement, such as tone or intonation, and make it your rehearsal focus.
- Begin with a fun and engaging warm-up instead of administrative announcements.
- Include a flexible section in your plan that you can skip if time runs short.
- End the rehearsal with a strong and uplifting sing-through to leave everyone feeling accomplished.
By implementing these strategies, you can turn even the most last-minute rehearsal planning into a productive and enjoyable session for your choir. After all, a well-prepared rehearsal not only improves performance but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and joy among your singers.
So, take a deep breath, focus on what matters most, and watch your choir thrive!
