Creating a school choir has many benefits for students and teachers – it cultivates teamwork, builds relationships and even helps kids develop essential life skills.
But what steps must you take to set up your choir in the classroom? In this blog post, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to get your group of singing stars ready to perform!
From the logistics of organising rehearsal times, finding appropriate Music and setting expectations, this guide will help make getting started an enjoyable experience.
Related: For more, check out our article on The Importance Of Music In The Primary Curriculum here.
Assess the Interest Level of Your Students
Studying the interest level of your students is one of the most critical steps for setting up a school choir.
It’s essential to accurately measure who would be excited to join and who isn’t interested. Gathering this information can be done quickly by surveying your students.
Ask them questions such as if they are interested in singing, if they can meet after school on regular days, and what genres they would like to sing.
This will give you a better understanding of the number of students you’re likely to have in the choir and their individual preferences – all necessary information when forming the choir.
Choose a Rehearsal Schedule
Setting aside time for choir rehearsals can be challenging, significantly, when school schedules change quickly.
Choosing an already established regular rehearsal schedule is essential for keeping the group together and on track.
Rehearsal times should be planned for at least one month to ensure everyone knows when and where to meet.
Establishing a designated day or specific part of the week for rehearsals will also help keep the momentum going and allow members to plan accordingly.
Choosing a routine rehearsal schedule will lead to smoother practices and better performances.
Establish Rules and Procedures
Establishing rules and procedures for a school choir ensures that everyone feels welcome and respected.
Guidelines should be communicated to help all members understand what is expected and how to meet those expectations.
Setting out these expectations helps create an atmosphere conducive to learning and collaboration while also providing structure and guidance, allowing members to focus all their energy on refining their skills, regardless of levels of experience or expertise.
With the proper guidelines, this mutual respect will help create a thriving and enjoyable choir atmosphere.
Decide What Types of Music to Perform
When deciding the types of Music for a school choir to perform, it is essential to consider the students’ interests and what type of Music would be appropriate for a school setting.
It is helpful to direct the repertoire exploration by focusing on well-known pieces that represent different genres and eras. Be sure to include traditional songs as well as modern tunes.
While recognising specific genres may be off limits, like particular rap and heavy metal forms, consider folk choral music and easy listening arrangements as suitable alternatives.
Ultimately, it is essential to tailor both the style of each piece and its subject matter in accordance with your surroundings.
With this in mind, finding a balance between pieces that students enjoy singing and those which ensure they are rehearsing high-quality repertoire will ensure you have set up a successful school choir.
Find Accompaniment
An accompanist is a valuable asset for any school choir. They provide beautiful Music to accompany the choir’s songs, fill in the gaps, and keep everything organized throughout rehearsals and performances.
Finding the right accompanist means there is no need to worry about taking time away from rehearsing the choir’s pieces – they’ll be able to lead while playing piano or guitar.
The best accompanist can also bring energy to a rehearsal, helping build up the group’s enthusiasm and motivation.
Considering their musical abilities and how well they will fit into an educational setting is essential when selecting who to hire or recruit for this role.
Prepare the Space
Setting up an effective school choir requires having an appropriate gathering space. The space should be large enough to accommodate all choir members and have comfortable acoustics conducive to making Music.
Ventilation is also essential to creating a suitable environment, as poor airflow can strain singers’ voices and fatigue setting in more quickly. Your choir will surely achieve their goals in harmony with the right setting.
Setting up a school choir can be an exciting, rewarding experience for all involved.
You can ensure that your ensemble runs smoothly and thrives with the proper steps and considerations.
Firstly, assess the interest level of your students, choose a rehearsal schedule, establish rules and procedures, decide what types of Music to perform, find accompaniment, and prepare the space.
Doing so will ensure that everyone has the best possible chance at becoming a group of talented singers.
So start with a survey to gauge interest levels, clear some space in the school grounds for rehearsals to take place and plan out how you want it all to come together – you’ll soon have a choir full of eager students ready to showcase their skills!
Resources For Choirs
- ChoirPlace: https://www.choirplace.com/
- ChoralNet: https://www.choralnet.org/
- Making Music: https://www.makingmusic.org.uk/resource/start-choir
- Musicademy: https://www.musicademy.com/2018/02/how-to-set-up-a-choir-the-definitive-guide/
- Sing Up: https://www.singup.org/about-sing-up/set-up-a-choir/
Establishing a school choir is not just about creating an outlet for musical expression. It’s about fostering teamwork, building lasting relationships, and honing essential life skills amongst students.
Following the steps we’ve outlined – from organizing rehearsal times to selecting suitable music and setting clear expectations – can make the process manageable and enjoyable.
Remember, every step you take towards setting up your choir creates a vibrant, harmonious community within your classroom.
Think of this guide not merely as instructions, but as a pathway to a rewarding musical journey.
A journey that will undoubtedly enhance your teaching experience and provide your students with unforgettable memories. Are you ready to make beautiful music together?
The stage is set, the notes are ready, and the choir awaits your leadership!
As you embark on this melodious adventure, remember that the goal is not perfection, but progress.
Not competition, but collaboration. And most importantly, not just performance, but passion. So let us strike the right chord and fill our classrooms with the joyous sounds of unity and harmony.
FAQ
Q: Do I need prior singing or musical experience to join the school choir?
A: Not! The school choir is open to all students interested in singing and wanting to learn more about Music. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just starting, there’s a place for you in the choir.
Q: Will the school provide instruments, or must we bring our own?
A: For most choirs, no instruments are needed as voices are the primary instrument. However, each student must have access to sheet music and the lyrics of the songs being performed. Your teacher or choir leader will let you know what materials will be provided by the school and what you may need to bring yourself.
Q: How often does the school choir meet, and how long are rehearsals?
A: This can vary depending on your school’s schedule and other commitments. Generally speaking, most choirs meet once or twice weekly after after-school hours for an hour or two per session. Your teacher or choir leader will provide a detailed rehearsal schedule with times and locations.
Q: What kind of songs will we sing in the school choir?
A: This also depends on your teacher or choir leader’s preferences, but generally, school choirs sing a variety of genres, including classical pieces, pop songs, folk songs and even contemporary hits. You’ll get an opportunity to suggest songs you enjoy singing as well!
Q: Will there be any performances outside of school hours?
A: Your school choir may have opportunities to perform at local events such as fairs, festivals or community celebrations. These performances will typically be scheduled outside of regular class hours, but it is up to each student whether they wish to participate in these events.
