If you sing in a choir that has an accompanist then you are very fortunate as paying for the accompanist adds to the expense of running a choir and good accompanists are worth their weight in gold and should be appreciated as such. You could even be lucky enough to have a retired volunteer pianist.
The accompanist is of great help to the MD as well as to you. Some MD’s can play and conduct and then of course their attention is divided and they can loose connection to the choir when they look at the notes they have to play.
The accompanist can also take a rehearsal if the MD can’t make it. Their main focus would then be to “Note bash” the individual parts and facilitate a run through of the songs. If you listen to them then the beat and timing of the song is clear.
The accompanist’s job is to help you keep time, help with your entries and help keep you in tune; if you listen to them that is. You should easily be able to hear the piano/keyboard through the sound of the entire choir. If you can’t try and focus in on it and work on listening to more than one thing at a time. Sometimes if you just listen before your entry you may find that your first note becomes easier to sing. You have to trust your ears and your brain to do what it knows to do best without overthinking and thus getting in the way. Some entries are easy of course and where they are harder your accompanist is your best friend. Also take some time out from singing to just focus for the entire song on what is being played. Can you hear how the text is supported in the piano part? Emotionally and rhythmically?
If you want to practice at home and are stuck on a particular phrase then you can ask your accompanist to play that section for you and you can record it on your phone. They won’t mind and will probably enjoy it as it shows you are motivated to improve and learn and who doesn’t appreciate such a person?
Exercise
At a next rehearsal take some time out to not sing and just be aware of what your accompanist is playing.
