The Singer Who Marks Absolutely Nothing
They simply nod with enormous sincerity and continue staring at the page as though the information will transfer telepathically into long-term memory.
The Choir Boss
Your Choir Does Not Need Another Committee Meeting
Many choirs believe organisational problems are solved by holding more meetings. In reality, excessive meetings are often a sign that leadership clarity has already begun to disappear.
There comes a moment in the life of almost every choir when somebody says:
“We should probably have a meeting about this.”
The
Stop Talking So Much
One of the most common rehearsal mistakes conductors make has nothing to do with technique, repertoire or musicianship. It is talking for too long.
Most conductors begin rehearsing because they love music.
Unfortunately, many eventually begin rehearsing as though the choir has arrived to attend a lecture.
This happens gradually.
The Person Who Starts Packing Before the Final Chord Ends
From that moment onward, the final cadence becomes psychologically contaminated. Nobody is thinking about blend anymore. Half the altos are now wondering who did it.
Stop Starting at the Beginning
Good conductors understand that rehearsal time should feel slightly uncomfortable. Difficult transitions need to be isolated. Awkward page turns need repetition.
Every Choir Has These People
Every choir has one. Usually an alto. Occasionally terrifyingly accurate. They can identify a drifting pitch centre before the accompanist has even registered danger.
Why Choir Committees Burn Out
Most choirs do not struggle because of bad singing. They struggle because the same small group of volunteers quietly carry too much responsibility for too long.
Most choirs do not collapse because of bad singing.
They collapse because the same five people become exhausted.
Long before audiences notice falling standards