Any choir, large or small, in order to be successful needs to operate under a few rules and expectations. These are time honored practices but not everyone is aware of them.
First of all the conductor, regardless of his experience, should be afforded respect. He is the leader and usually the one who chooses the music, arranges for the performances, sets the musical interpretation, consults with the accompanist, and runs the rehearsal. Occasionally, a choir president will help run the organization and see to it that rehearsal space is provided, funds are acquired, personnel are recruited and managed, and make sure the conductor has everything he needs to do his job. In the best case scenario, librarians will keep track of the music and a secretary will keep roll and make sure reminders of performance dates and rehearsal schedules are sent out.
Unfortunately, most of the time, the conductor does all of these jobs, sometimes even accompanies the choir. Being a conductor is a difficult job, especially if he is supposed to recruit choir members and train them to be good singers, too. If most of his energy is spent begging people to consistently come to choir rehearsals, he can burn out real fast.
Choir members also should know how to be good choir citizens. They should know to come to rehearsals consistently and on time. They should be respectful of the conductor and not visit with other choir members during practice time. They should limit their questions and comments during rehearsal to a very few truly pertinent items only. They should realize that offering their "expertise" will only disrupt the rehearsal and fluster the conductor. Most business matters can be discussed away from rehearsal in private. The conductor will set the tone if he needs a little humor to diffuse the stress of rehearsal. Follow as he leads.
The choir members should try their best to follow choir best practices: Listen louder than you sing. Blend and balance. Tap into the inner rhythm. Look up and follow the conductor. Memorize your parts as much as you can. Sing through the breath. Shape the line. Stand or sit with good posture. Manage your breathing. Be conscious of good concert deportment. Sing with proper diction. Interpret the lyrics and music. Try to give your best performance every time. Respect the conductor. Be a good choir citizen!
First of all the conductor, regardless of his experience, should be afforded respect. He is the leader and usually the one who chooses the music, arranges for the performances, sets the musical interpretation, consults with the accompanist, and runs the rehearsal. Occasionally, a choir president will help run the organization and see to it that rehearsal space is provided, funds are acquired, personnel are recruited and managed, and make sure the conductor has everything he needs to do his job. In the best case scenario, librarians will keep track of the music and a secretary will keep roll and make sure reminders of performance dates and rehearsal schedules are sent out.
Unfortunately, most of the time, the conductor does all of these jobs, sometimes even accompanies the choir. Being a conductor is a difficult job, especially if he is supposed to recruit choir members and train them to be good singers, too. If most of his energy is spent begging people to consistently come to choir rehearsals, he can burn out real fast.
Choir members also should know how to be good choir citizens. They should know to come to rehearsals consistently and on time. They should be respectful of the conductor and not visit with other choir members during practice time. They should limit their questions and comments during rehearsal to a very few truly pertinent items only. They should realize that offering their "expertise" will only disrupt the rehearsal and fluster the conductor. Most business matters can be discussed away from rehearsal in private. The conductor will set the tone if he needs a little humor to diffuse the stress of rehearsal. Follow as he leads.
The choir members should try their best to follow choir best practices: Listen louder than you sing. Blend and balance. Tap into the inner rhythm. Look up and follow the conductor. Memorize your parts as much as you can. Sing through the breath. Shape the line. Stand or sit with good posture. Manage your breathing. Be conscious of good concert deportment. Sing with proper diction. Interpret the lyrics and music. Try to give your best performance every time. Respect the conductor. Be a good choir citizen!
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