Although a lot of choirs are not professional ones it should be everybody’s aim to be as professional as possible.
The objective of a rehearsal is to learn the songs as well as having fun and having an opportunity to chat to each other.
During a rehearsal the MD has a tough job in keeping the group together and engaged, singing the correct notes and rhythms, coming in at the right time as well as controlling dynamics and when to stop the sound.
Invariably individual sections (sopranos/altos/tenors/basses) will require work and then the other sections can become bored and start chatting to each other. This is very distracting and not at all helpful for the MD. If you find yourself becoming bored then take a look at your own part and see if you can silently sing that when the other sections are being helped. You could also learn the section that is currently being worked with and look at how the parts fit together. Or you could just resist the temptation to chat to others and use it as a short time to relax. Rehearsals tend to be 45 min and then you get a break so I am sure you can cope till then. There is always your breathing that can be worked upon during these times.
Some venue’s are not so good when it comes to being able to hear the MD give instructions and in some venues it can also be difficult to hear yourself. You will get the most out of a rehearsal if you are attentive to the MD, ask questions if you are unsure about something – don’t worry, if you have thought of it then so will somebody else – watch the MD at all times so you know when they want to start without them having to call the group to attention.
Always ask the accompanist to play a passage for you in the break so you can record it and practice at home if you are unsure of anything.
At a performance, always turn up early, remember your music and have it in order, be appropriately dressed and aim to be supportive towards new members or those who are less confident. Some of the choir will know their parts very well and will want to sing without their music, either the whole choir uses music or all don’t to create a united front.
Hold your music at the right height so you can just move your eyes up and down, the MD needs to be able to make eye contact with you.
Please do not move to the next song in your folders until the current one has finished completely.
Do not fidget and chat to each other between songs or when the MD is talking to the audience.
Exercise
Do you get bored during a rehearsal? What do you do when you get bored? If that isn’t productive to the rehearsal consider what else you could do that is.
How professional do you feel you are during rehearsals and during a performance?
