Do
- Remember that you’re working with volunteers. These singers are not professionals. Having high expectations is a good thing, but they should be realistic.
- Let the choir sing more than you talk (StS, not TsT). It’s important to give instructions, but make sure you’re being clear and concise. Think about what you’re going to say before you even stop the choir. Be purposeful with this.
- Make eye contact. Your eyes are more pleasant than the top of your head. Eye contact adds a personal element and “warmth” to the rehearsal.
- Try to remain positive. Easier said than done sometimes, but the choir will respond to positivity. It’s especially important to end the rehearsal on a positive note. Choir members should feel uplifted and encouraged when leaving the rehearsal.
- Know the music. Are you prepared for the rehearsal? Can you sing all of the parts? The more you know the music, the more confident you will be, and the more confidence the choir will have in you (and the more respect they’ll have for you). Mistakes are more easily forgiven when it’s obvious that one has prepared.
- Switch up the format. Do all of your rehearsals look the same? Maybe start a rehearsal by reading an inspiring bible verse. Or maybe have the choir form a circle and sing one of the songs they’re working on (instead of the traditional “in the seats” format). Think of ways that you can switch things up here and there.
Don’t
- Forget…you have the wonderful opportunity to lead others in rehearsals and in worship, and to bring to expression the glory of God through music. Let your knowledge of this be shown in rehearsals!
- See yourself as a volunteer. God has called you to do what you’re doing. Enter into each rehearsal with a sense of calling.
- Underestimate the choir’s ability to rise to the expectations you set for them. They are capable of way more than you (and they!) think.
- Talk more than they sing. No matter how wonderfully you talk, the choir will always want to sing more than they want to hear you talk.
- Talk down to the choir or make them feel defeated. Do everything you can to avoid negativity. Instead…uplift, encourage, and strengthen. Each rehearsal should be a worship experience for all involved.