12 Tips for Ward Choir Conductors
Arts & Entertainment → Books & Music
- Author Natasha Young
- Published November 28, 2007
- Word count 519
-
The selection of the music is one of the most important things a director can do to make singing with the choir a worth while experience. Since ward choirs are made of amateurs and volunteers, difficult music should be avoided. A good rule of thumb is to select music that can be learned within three weeks, since ward choirs sing traditionally once a month.
-
Also, since ward choirs typically are small, 10 to 20 members, music should not include more than the traditional four-part harmony.
-
Most church pianists are also volunteers and not professional musicians, so
The abilities of the accompanist should be considered when choosing choir music as well.
-
Music that will invite the spirit should be selected; keeping in mind that a ward choir's primary purpose is to worship through song, not to impress the congregation with their musical abilities. It is better to sing simple music well than to sing difficult music only so-so.
-
Directors must plan the music well in advance and coordinate with the Ward Music Chairman to avoid repeating the same hymn in the same meeting. A calendar with future performances could be kept and copies made available to choir members, the Ward Music Chairman, and the Bishopric member in charge of ward music.
-
Once appropriate music is selected, directors must familiarize themselves with it before introducing it to the choir. They need to be prepared to anticipate key changes, or differences in time signatures so they can focus on helping the choir learn their parts and not be confused by anything they may encounter in the music.
-
Each member of the choir should be provided their own copy of the music and pencils provided for making reminders in the music. Folders could be assigned to each member.
-
Ward members will be more willing to participate if they know the choir director keeps practices to a reasonable time. For most ward choirs, an hour a week is considered acceptable.
-
It is also best that rehearsals are held at the same time and place each week to eliminate confusion.
-
Choir member will also appreciate rehearsals that begin and end on time and good use should be made of the time. While going over the base part, for example, the other members could hum their parts quietly while the pianist plays only the base part.
-
It is useful to remind the choir before each performance. Most choirs arrive early in order to warm up their voices and review the hymn or hymn arrangement to be sung. Some choirs have a choir president who calls all members on Saturday night. Other conductors to the calling themselves. Many prefer to use email since a mass email can be sent.
-
However the performance turns out, Choir members should feel their efforts are appreciated. Even if the performance was less than perfect, the words and actions of the conductor should encourage them in their efforts. Any compliments given the director by appreciative ward members should be passed on to the choir at the next regular rehearsal.
The choir director can make singing with the Ward Choir a rewarding experience for everyone.
Find free ward choir music at http://www.freewardchoirmusic.com
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
Related articles
- Emotional Resonance: How Music Evokes Feelings And Memories
- Bangla Song Lyrics: A Deep Dive into the Soul of Bengali Music
- Semih Alar: The Sonic Architect's Creative Universe
- An Exclusive Interview with Semih Alar: Delving into the Musical Universe of Diaspora
- The Silent Symphony of Diaspora: Semih Alar’s Journey Through Silence and Music
- Ralph Macchio: Actor or Guitarist? Discover the Truth!
- Key Differences Between 6 String And 12 String Guitars
- Choosing Your First Bass Guitar: Why a Squier Precision Bass is a Solid Choice
- A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start and Launch a Band
- From Zero to Hero - Learn Guitar Solos Quickly & Easily
- A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Online Guitar Lessons
- 4 Best Tips on How to Pack and Ship a Guitar
- Top 10 Best Selling Guitars of Recent Era
- How much does an electric guitar cost?
- Become a Blues Maestro: 26 Blues Guitar Songs for Beginners
- A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start and Launch a Band
- Rock Legends: The Top 10 Classic Rock Guitarists
- Top 5 Most Difficult Guitar Riffs in Metal Every Guitarist Should Learn
- Top 21 Easy Capo Songs to Learn and Play on Guitar (2024)
- Guitar Maintenance: How to Fix a Bowed Guitar Neck
- 19 Best Guitar Effect Pedals That Shaped Music History
- Best Guitar lesson online: Guitartricks
- Mastering Guitar Notes for Beginners
- Unleash Guitar Mastery: Secrets from the Practice Routines of 6 Legendary Guitarists
- Bows Meet Strings: 7 Types of Stringed Instruments, Players and more
- Ranked: The 10 Most Influential Greatest Metal Guitarists (2024)
- An Introduction to 7 Guitar Virtuosos Across the Globe (2024)
- 25 Best Guitar solos of all time (2024)
- Top 15 Best Guitars for Beginners in 2024
- Top 12 Best Acoustic Guitar Songs That Will Blow Your Mind (2024)