The job of a choir director is to shape the sound of the choir, teach the music, and evaluate and correct any problems within the vocal performance.Here are some things you can do to form and direct a choir.
Step 1: Don't forget to watch other directors.
Modeling your hand signals, body language, and facial expressions off of other directors is the best way to understand the signals experienced singers are already accustomed to.You can watch videos of other choir directors.If you want to learn more about how the singers respond to each signal, watch a live performance of a professional choir.You can attend live choir performances and watch the director.You should choose a seat that gives a clear view of the director.Take notes about what works well.You can watch the director from the point of view of the singers.
Step 2: You can make a cheat sheet of signals.
Writing down the signals you plan to use will lead to more consistency.
Step 3: Go for it.
It's important for your singers to see the signals accurately with a large choir or children.The audience would be distracted by your movements if you exaggerated them.
Step 4: You can watch yourself directing.
Direct in front of a mirror or videotape yourself and see if your signals are clear.
Step 5: It is advisable to practice frequently.
The more comfortable you are with your directing body language, the easier it will be to do it in front of a choir.Pretend that you are directing choral music by playing it.Ask another choir director if you can borrow their choir for a part of a rehearsal.Ask for feedback from the singers or the choir director.
Step 6: Decide whether or not to hold a talent show.
Some choir directors choose to give all those who are interested an opportunity to participate in the choir.
Step 7: Make a plan for the auditioning.
You should do the following steps if you decide to have an interview.You can skip ahead to the next part if you don't plan on auditioning.Make sure you have a time and place for your auditioning.It's a good idea to hold your auditioning in the room you're going to rehearse or perform in.You can advertise your talent.Think about the types of singers you want to recruit and plan your advertising accordingly.You might want to start advertising a few weeks before the auditioning.Singers can either prepare their own piece of music or sight-read it on the spot.The advertisement should include this information.
Step 8: Hold the interviews.
Listening to each vocalist sing and taking notes about their performance will help you in your selection process.Take the range and quality of each singer's voice into account.You might want to ask singers about their experience, vocal range, ability to read music, etc.During each singer's tryout, be sure to maintain a neutral facial expression.Someone's feelings may be hurt by a frown or other reaction to a poor performance.
Step 9: Pick your choir members.
Determine the number of singers you need, as well as the voice mix you want to use, then pick those singers required.If you have strong singers, you can form a small group, while less skilled singers do better in a large group.Make sure you have the right balance in your vocal parts.You can make other balance considerations as well.To maintain diversity, be sure to consider other aspects such as gender, age, and race.
Step 10: Inform those who were chosen of your decision.
You will need to notify those who did not make the choir by writing a letter or posting a list.A short note of thanks should be written for those who weren't selected.
Step 11: For the occasion, choose music that is appropriate.
Is the choir religious or secular?What season is it?What is the tone of the event if the choir is a part of it?
Step 12: You can choose music that is appropriate for your choir.
Music selections should be easy enough for your choir to understand, but complex enough that they will be challenged.
Step 13: You need to make sure you have proper permission to perform and advertise your music.
If you don't have a budget for royalties, you may want to look for music in the public domain.
Step 14: Understand music selections.
Before you start working with the choir, you should know how you want the music to sound.You should meet with the accompanist to discuss your interpretation of the music.Become familiar with the music and how you will conduct it before going into rehearsal.Don't try to learn it as you go.
Step 15: A detailed rehearsal plan should be prepared.
There should be repercussions for missing practices if the attendance policy is included in the plan.Each rehearsal should have a place, date, and time.All of your rehearsals should be attended by your accompanist.If you use pre- recorded accompanying music, you don't need an accompanist.
Step 16: Prepare for the rehearsals.
When introducing new music, it's a good idea to talk about the musical piece you chose.Each piece should be broken into manageable sections.You don't have to work an entire piece in one rehearsal.The format of your rehearsals should be consistent.Start with a warm-up and then rehearse the sections.For each rehearsal, be clear about your goals.
Step 17: Private rehearsals as needed.
It's as important to work with individuals or small groups as it is with the entire choir.To make their performance more polished, work with them to perfect their part.The choir should be split into individual voice parts during sectional rehearsals.More time may be devoted to making sure that notes and rhythms are mastered.After you are satisfied with the work of the sections, reassemble them as an ensemble.
Step 18: Pick out a uniform for your choir on performance night.
All of the members of your choir should wear coordinated outfits that don't distract from their performance.Choir robes may already be in use.Talk to the church organizers about choir expectations.Choir groups that don't have uniforms may wear white shirts with black pants or skirts.
Step 19: Your choir should be taught that details are important.
The difference between an amateur and professional looking performance can be made by skills such as taking a bow together at the end or sitting and standing in unison.
Step 20: You can advertise your performance.
It is important to include details such as time, date, and place of performance.If applicable, include ticket prices or suggested donation.
Step 21: Before the performance, hold a warm-up session.
Warming up will make sure that everyone is present and ready to sing.Don't introduce new information before a performance; instead, try to fine tune things that you have already worked on.If necessary, give a few last-minute reminders, but don't overload your choir with too many things to remember.
Step 22: Start the performance.
The director of the event should communicate with the choir before and during the performance about when and where they should sit and stand.Be consistent while directing.You can use the facial expressions and hand gestures that you used during rehearsals.
Step 23: Praise your singers privately after a performance.