Why repetition is good in a choir rehearsal

Repetition in your choir rehearsal is good - here’s why.

• The singers get another chance to get used to the conducting gesture - and the conductor gets a chance to improve the conducting gesture

• Singers get a chance to fix their own mistakes - often one more run is enough!

• The conductor gets to listen another time, and to learn what the recurring issues are

• Lay down another myelin sheath in the brain - the singers get to consolidate what they just learned

• During the repetition the conductor gets more time to frame the next instruction/think of what to say

• Singers get to sing more!

When teaching a phrase, I'll do a demonstration first then have the singers repeat it back to me. Usually there will be some pitch or rhythm errors, but I don't mention these - I just do another demonstration. A good demonstration is information-rich. Mentioning the errors is unnecessary and breaks the rehearsal flow.

If errors persist even after several repetitions, I'll intervene and fix it by a) slowing it down b) pairing the demonstration with some kinaesthetic gestures c) chunking the phrase into even smaller bits.

I'll frequently give the singers reminders about alignment, breathing, tone. These things are universal and not specific to the actual phrase - but they will help overall and they will help to instil a high regard for technique in the choir culture.