Date: April 07

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Motivating Your Choir
By David West

Keeping our choir practices as fresh as possible can be challenging at times. Many of your choir members sacrifice their time after a long, hard day at work. They are looking for a well-planned rehearsal that is both challenging and rewarding. Following some simple suggestions on how to motivate your choir will assure your volunteer choir will get the most out of every rehearsal.

1. Set a goal to work toward
   The adage says “if you aim for nothing you will hit it every time.” Practicing without first knowing your expectations for your choir is a waste of every ones time. Clearly define your goals concerning what you expect your choir to accomplish. Consider choosing goals that involve tone, blend, rhythm accuracy, message, expression and of course deadline.
2. Present fresh music
   One of the best ways to motivate your choir is by challenging them with fresh and exciting music. Over time using the “same old” music will dampen the enthusiasm of your choir. Attend music seminars, listen to recordings and join a choral club for new ideas.
3. Teach your choir
   Do a lot of reading on ways to better your choir and teach them what you learn. From warm up exercises to diction make the rehearsal worth the time they invest. Sign up for vocal lessons and you will have volumes to share with your choir. Your preparation is paramount.
4. Give the Lord some time
   Do not be so immersed in the mechanics of singing that you forget to take time to explain the text of the song and its meaning. Your choir will sing with more feeling and enthusiasm when the message in the song is from the heart. Occasionally a short devotion by you or a choir member would be appropriate.
5. Be enthusiastic (keep it exciting)
   Enthusiasm is contagious. Get your rest and be prepared for practices. Your attitudes will set the pace for all to follow. Keep the rehearsal flowing. Don’t allow any one part or passage bog you down while others wait. Changing from song to song every 10-15 minutes is helpful. Remember “variety is the spice of life.” Vary your chose of song so not to be singing always in 3/4 or in a melancholy style.
6. Start and end on time
   It’s easy to delay starting practice waiting for late arrivals but if you start on time, every time, they will make a greater effort to be on time. Starting on time will convey to your choir members the message that their time is important to you. Ending on time will allow your choir to still feel a part of the congregation.