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.