As an alumni of Westminster Choir College, I learned LONG ago that fine choral singing is critical for communities. It sets the model for virtually ALL collaboration and it showcases how to pursue excellence without becoming obsessed with ego. There are plenty of exceptions to my standards and ideas, but I am convinced that when #ChoirIsLife, life is better, days are easier, and problems are better managed.
"If we are really serious about communicating with one another, about knowing ourselves through our neighbors -- in short, about peaceful civilization -- then we can never overestimate the good that comes from artistic communication. When we touch one another through music, we are touching the heart, the mind, and the spirit, all at once." -Leonard #Bernstein ('Image of Chile’ speech, September 22, 1963)
"Of all the different instruments in this vast, heterogeneous collection called an orchestra, there is none that can compete in any way with the sublime expressiveness of the human voice. It is the greatest instrument there is. When a fine voice, or several, or many together, carry the weight of a drama, there is nothing in all theater to compare with it for sheer immediacy of impact." -Leonard #Bernstein (Vogue interview, December, 1958)
When will it be SAFE TO SING? (COVID 19) - VATENOR's view>>
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What does it mean to be a choir member? The ideas shared on this page are designed to provide a framework for singers of all abilities, as they join choirs, experience singing... and live better. It is targeted to church choirs, but applicable to ALL.
DO YOUR JOB!
Choir Members have a job to do… in service to one another, our congregation, and our GOD. Results come with passion, discipline, and application. Where do you need to focus today? Practical and Tactical… Do your job, Trust in the Lord to manage the big picture. Managing your own behavior is hard enough.
Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get. Matthew 7:12 MSG
What does your director expect?
• Take ownership of your space and time and show deep respect for others’ in your actions and choices..
• Show up early, have your music and materials together, help one another.
• Use notes: Put your personal items aside for before and after rehearsal. (calendar, commitments, conflicts, concerns)
• Do the little things on your own for your space. Robes, chairs, seating, folders, pencils… Keep them clean and ready to go. Many hands make light work. Your space is part of our space. We are a choir. a team… a body… the sum of our parts is more than our individual contributions.
• Let your director direct and lead. There is always more going on than you are aware of… Only the director has the perspective to make the calls. Trust the tone, timing, and the teaching. If you are comfortable all the time, you are not making much progress. Each member progresses at a different rate but the output of the whole is up to your director. Your Job: do your part, sing and help your neighbor.
Personal Requests from your director: (PRINCIPLES from your PRINCIPAL)
1. Be accountable. The choir relies on your presence and time and commitment. Your director relies on you and plans 4-6 weeks ahead to ensure collective success. If you are going to be absent, recognize that it impacts all of those around you and diminishes the whole. Prioritize time together and choose wisely with consideration and compassion...every voice, every opportunity matters.
2. Bring your heart and your passion to every moment… every note… every rehearsal… every worship service.
3. Recognize that you are on display and you set an example for others to follow… in the big things, but even more so in the little things.
4. Show up. Focus. Execute.
5. Celebrate the successes, and improve on them every week. God loves our cheerful, giving hearts... and we sing a make a joyful noise... as we lead.
REMEMBER!!!!
Rehearsal is the time to practice success not repeat mistakes over and over… We learn by doing. What we rehearse and practice repeatedly is what we produce under pressure.
Performance is performance. Good enough is just that… We seek more than good enough. Our intention is always to honor God and not ourselves. Anything less than our best does not honor anyone.
"If we are really serious about communicating with one another, about knowing ourselves through our neighbors -- in short, about peaceful civilization -- then we can never overestimate the good that comes from artistic communication. When we touch one another through music, we are touching the heart, the mind, and the spirit, all at once." -Leonard #Bernstein ('Image of Chile’ speech, September 22, 1963)
"Of all the different instruments in this vast, heterogeneous collection called an orchestra, there is none that can compete in any way with the sublime expressiveness of the human voice. It is the greatest instrument there is. When a fine voice, or several, or many together, carry the weight of a drama, there is nothing in all theater to compare with it for sheer immediacy of impact." -Leonard #Bernstein (Vogue interview, December, 1958)
When will it be SAFE TO SING? (COVID 19) - VATENOR's view>>
======================>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
What does it mean to be a choir member? The ideas shared on this page are designed to provide a framework for singers of all abilities, as they join choirs, experience singing... and live better. It is targeted to church choirs, but applicable to ALL.
DO YOUR JOB!
Choir Members have a job to do… in service to one another, our congregation, and our GOD. Results come with passion, discipline, and application. Where do you need to focus today? Practical and Tactical… Do your job, Trust in the Lord to manage the big picture. Managing your own behavior is hard enough.
Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get. Matthew 7:12 MSG
What does your director expect?
• Take ownership of your space and time and show deep respect for others’ in your actions and choices..
• Show up early, have your music and materials together, help one another.
• Use notes: Put your personal items aside for before and after rehearsal. (calendar, commitments, conflicts, concerns)
• Do the little things on your own for your space. Robes, chairs, seating, folders, pencils… Keep them clean and ready to go. Many hands make light work. Your space is part of our space. We are a choir. a team… a body… the sum of our parts is more than our individual contributions.
• Let your director direct and lead. There is always more going on than you are aware of… Only the director has the perspective to make the calls. Trust the tone, timing, and the teaching. If you are comfortable all the time, you are not making much progress. Each member progresses at a different rate but the output of the whole is up to your director. Your Job: do your part, sing and help your neighbor.
Personal Requests from your director: (PRINCIPLES from your PRINCIPAL)
1. Be accountable. The choir relies on your presence and time and commitment. Your director relies on you and plans 4-6 weeks ahead to ensure collective success. If you are going to be absent, recognize that it impacts all of those around you and diminishes the whole. Prioritize time together and choose wisely with consideration and compassion...every voice, every opportunity matters.
2. Bring your heart and your passion to every moment… every note… every rehearsal… every worship service.
3. Recognize that you are on display and you set an example for others to follow… in the big things, but even more so in the little things.
4. Show up. Focus. Execute.
5. Celebrate the successes, and improve on them every week. God loves our cheerful, giving hearts... and we sing a make a joyful noise... as we lead.
REMEMBER!!!!
Rehearsal is the time to practice success not repeat mistakes over and over… We learn by doing. What we rehearse and practice repeatedly is what we produce under pressure.
Performance is performance. Good enough is just that… We seek more than good enough. Our intention is always to honor God and not ourselves. Anything less than our best does not honor anyone.
Resources.
Practical..
These files are from a great Choir Survival guide I found around 1998.
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3 FUNCTIONS OF CHOIRCHOIR = MUSIC MINISTRY ? not exactly, but that is how most churches see it.. Singers understand that singing makes life and difficult days better. The divine spark is mysteriously revealed as we share our songs and souls.
"For him (Wilhelm Ehmann) a company of singers, no matter how well-trained, can become a choir only after it has become a unique fellowship--a choral community. Singing must serve to enrich the personal life of the individual. The choral sound must not only be of a high musical standard, but it must also reflect the human and spiritual qualities of both composer and singers." WEEKLY WORSHIP: Lead and Inspire Congregational Singing fulfilling the Biblical mandate to Sing and make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
Building a Choral program 101 in an aging church? How? People must be first priority Urgent need someone who knows how to keep the ship on track. requires a delicate mix of passion, discipline and application motivational models - autonomy -- section leaders, engagement of key leaders but must place for everyone where all are contributing via assessment model mastery-- setting the bar high enough but not too high purpose--clear understanding of why they are doing what.. Process is important, but can’t raise the bar until they are ready. Repertoire selection is the key -- must mix what you have with challenge for future.. in alignment with stated and accepted goals skills development - GVT is a must. great vocal models is a must. Excellent conductor is a MUST. Members must have opportunities to showcase their development Must provide time slots for rehearsals and committments Perspective needs to be realistic and patient. Building takes time. Deal with the incumbent expectations, resources, and issues up front. otherwise they will constantly shortcircuit and sabotage the build cycle. Manage Expectations: how to deal with relentless return of the Sabbath -- lessen the load now but set goals for future engagement and return... hold the line! Fixing is not a turn key solution model- Building is hard work but worth it. must have clear expectations and goals must accept and solve for a long term success model.. must develop short term success markers/milestones | ||||||||