What do singers want when they come to choir rehearsal?
I’m very interested in how to create positive choir rehearsal experiences for singers. One of the best things I’ve done recently is join another choir as a singer.
Being immersed in the singer’s experience has led to a number of “aha” moments. “I like it when we do THIS in rehearsal.” “I don’t like it when we do THAT in rehearsal.” “I wish we did a bit more of X.” “I was really surprised when we did Y.”
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!
Minimize Verbal Instruction
A rehearsal technique that has popped up at several conducting workshops is the no-talking rehearsal. The idea is to minimize the amount of talking that the conductor does and communicate non-verbally as much as possible.
Here's a fantastic example in a Harmony University video featuring Don Campbell. I've watched this video at least a dozen times. It's kind of amazing how he can drive the rehearsal through conducting gesture alone. Occasionally I try to emulate this rehearsal technique, although I tend to use more singing demonstrations.
Giving the singers visual information
I'm a fan of supplying my choir singers with visual information when possible.
This can come in a number of forms - sol fa hand signs, clear conducting gesture, visual reminders of singing techniques, modelling good alignment, sheet music, even just the lyrics written on a whiteboard...
When I'm at a choir rehearsal I like when the director gives me a visual component to help me learn and sing the music.
Another benefit from the point of view of the director is that you have to answer fewer questions - because the visual info answers it for you. If a singer does ask a question, you can often answer non-verbally by pointing to the sheet music/whiteboard.
My Process for Teaching A Round
(also applicable for teaching barbershop tags, song segments or other vocal exercizes)
Recently I started working with a new student who wanted tips on running small vocal groups. I had just recorded a segment of a Strange Weather Choir rehearsal in which I taught a round, and decided to share this and explain my teaching process. So, here ‘tis. Adapt to your group as necessary.