Choir Rehearsal Lessons

Module 1: Vocal Warm-up and Technique

In this module, we focus on getting our voices ready for singing and developing good vocal techniques. Here are some simple and friendly examples and exercises:

Breathing Exercise: Take a deep breath in through your nose and imagine your belly expanding. Then, slowly exhale through your mouth, releasing the air in a controlled and steady manner. Repeat this a few times to help relax and engage your breath support muscles.

Lip Trills: Gently press your lips together and blow air through them, causing them to vibrate. This exercise helps to warm up your lips, tongue, and facial muscles while promoting a relaxed airflow.

Sirens: Starting from your lowest comfortable note, smoothly slide up to your highest note and back down. Imagine your voice gliding like a siren. This exercise helps to stretch your vocal range and develop flexibility.

Tongue Twisters: Practice saying tongue twisters like "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" or "She sells seashells by the seashore." These exercises help to improve diction and articulation by challenging your tongue and mouth muscles.

Vocal Scales: Singing scales, such as do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do, helps to warm up your voice and improve pitch accuracy. Start slowly and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.

Humming: Humming exercises, like humming a simple melody or holding a sustained hum, can help to relax your vocal folds and promote a focused and resonant sound.

Remember, the goal of this module is to prepare your voice for singing and establish good vocal habits. Take your time with these exercises and listen to your body. If something feels uncomfortable or strained, adjust accordingly. Building a strong foundation through warm-ups and technique exercises will help you sing with more control, clarity, and confidence.



Module 2: Listening and Tuning

In this module, we will work on developing our listening skills and tuning abilities as a choir. Here are some simple and friendly examples and exercises:

Pitch Matching: Start by playing a note on a piano or another instrument, and have everyone in the choir try to match that pitch with their voices. Encourage them to listen carefully and make adjustments until they are singing the same pitch as the reference note.

Echo Exercises: Choose a short melodic phrase and sing it as a solo. Then, have the choir repeat the same phrase back to you. This exercise helps develop the ability to listen attentively and reproduce the sound accurately.

Harmonizing Practice: Divide the choir into smaller groups or sections. Assign different harmonies to each group, such as singing a third above or below the main melody. Practice singing the parts together, focusing on blending and creating a harmonious sound.

Tuning Exercises: Sing intervals or chords together as a choir and pay attention to the tuning. Start with simple intervals like a perfect fifth or a major third, and gradually progress to more complex chords. Listen carefully to the resonance and adjust as necessary to achieve a well-tuned sound.

Partner Listening: Pair up choir members and have them stand facing each other. One person will sing a short phrase, and the other person's task is to closely listen and sing it back. This exercise promotes active listening and helps develop a sense of tuning and matching pitch.

Tuning Forks or Pitch Pipes: Use tuning forks or pitch pipes to create a reference pitch for the choir. Ask everyone to listen carefully and adjust their voices to match the given pitch. This exercise enhances pitch awareness and accuracy.

Remember, the key to good tuning is actively listening to others while singing. Encourage choir members to focus on blending their voices and adjusting their pitch to match the overall sound of the ensemble. By practicing these exercises regularly, you will develop a strong sense of pitch and create a harmonious and well-tuned choir sound.

Module 3: Interpretation and Expression

In this module, we will explore how to bring emotions and meaning into our singing. Here are some simple and friendly examples and exercises:

Song Analysis: Choose a song and discuss the lyrics and overall message with the choir. Encourage them to reflect on the emotions conveyed in the lyrics and the story behind the song. Understanding the meaning of the song helps in expressing it through our voices.

Dynamics Practice: Experiment with different levels of volume in singing. Start with a soft, gentle voice and gradually increase the volume to a louder, more powerful sound. Practice controlling dynamics to convey emotions and create contrast within the song.

Emotional Gestures: Assign specific emotions to different sections of the song. Ask the choir to use their body language and facial expressions to reflect those emotions while singing. This exercise helps in connecting the emotions with physical expression.

Phrase Shaping: Work on shaping musical phrases by emphasizing certain words or notes. Encourage the choir to add subtle crescendos or decrescendos within a phrase to create a sense of musicality and expressiveness.

Storytelling through Singing: Encourage the choir to imagine themselves as characters in a story while singing. Ask them to convey the emotions and narrative of the song through their vocal delivery, bringing the lyrics to life.

Vocal Nuances: Explore different vocal techniques such as vibrato, gentle scoops, or subtle glides to add nuances and expressiveness to the singing. Encourage choir members to experiment and find ways to infuse their voices with emotion.

Remember, interpretation and expression are personal and unique to each singer. Encourage the choir members to tap into their own emotions and find ways to express them authentically through their voices. By incorporating these exercises, you will help the choir develop a deeper connection to the music and deliver performances that touch the hearts of the audience.

Module 4: Pronunciation and Diction

In this module, we will focus on improving the clarity of our words and pronunciation while singing. Here are some simple and friendly examples and exercises:

Tongue Twisters: Practice tongue twisters that contain challenging sounds and combinations. For example, "She sells seashells by the seashore" or "Unique New York." These exercises help in improving diction and articulation by working on specific sounds.

Word Emphasis: Choose a song and identify important words or phrases that need to be emphasized. Practice singing those words with clear and precise articulation. Encourage the choir to pay attention to consonants and vowel sounds to ensure they are pronounced accurately.

Articulation Exercises: Practice consonant-focused exercises, such as repeating words with repeated consonants (e.g., "happy puppies," "big black bear"). This helps in strengthening tongue and mouth muscles and improving articulation.

Vowel Shaping: Work on vowel sounds by practicing pure and rounded vowels. Focus on opening the mouth and shaping the vowels with clarity. For example, practicing the "ah" sound in "father" or the "ee" sound in "see."

Language-specific Challenges: If the choir is singing in a language other than their native tongue, address language-specific challenges. Provide guidance on pronunciation rules, accentuation, and unique sounds in that language. Encourage them to listen to native speakers or recordings for reference.

Enunciation Exercises: Practice singing the lyrics of a song slowly and exaggeratedly, paying attention to each syllable and consonant. This exercise helps in ensuring that the words are articulated clearly and understood by the audience.

Remember, clear pronunciation and diction are essential for effective communication of the lyrics. Encourage the choir members to pay attention to the details of each word and aim for precise and understandable delivery. By practicing these exercises, the choir will improve their overall clarity and enhance the audience's understanding and enjoyment of the music.

Module 5: Musicality and Phrasing

In this module, we will explore how to bring musicality and expression to our singing by understanding phrasing and dynamics. Here are some simple and friendly examples and exercises:

Phrasing Exercises: Choose a song and identify its musical phrases. Practice singing each phrase smoothly and seamlessly, ensuring that there are no abrupt breaks between them. Encourage the choir to understand the natural flow of the music and breathe in strategic places to maintain a continuous and expressive sound.

Dynamics Practice: Experiment with different levels of volume and intensity within a song. Start by identifying sections that should be sung softly, and others that should be sung with more power. Practice transitioning smoothly between different dynamics, gradually building up or tapering down the volume.

Musical Expression: Discuss the emotions and mood of the song with the choir. Encourage them to think about how they can reflect those emotions in their singing. Experiment with different vocal techniques like gentle vibrato, subtle crescendos or decrescendos, or adding ornaments to enhance the expression.

Breath Control: Focus on breath management during phrasing. Teach the choir how to take efficient and controlled breaths at appropriate points in the music to sustain longer phrases and maintain vocal control. Practice breathing exercises to strengthen breath support.

Dynamics Mapping: Create a dynamic map for the song, indicating where the volume should be soft, loud, or somewhere in between. Use visual cues like arrows or symbols to guide the choir through the changes in dynamics. This helps in visualizing and memorizing the dynamic changes in the music.

Listening to Recordings: Listen to professional recordings of the song or similar repertoire. Encourage the choir to pay attention to how the singers interpret the phrasing and dynamics, and how they bring musicality to their performances. This can serve as inspiration and guidance for the choir's own musical interpretation.

Remember, musicality is about bringing life, expression, and emotion to the music we sing. Encourage the choir members to be attentive to the nuances of the music, work on their breath control, and experiment with different vocal techniques to enhance their musicality. By practicing these exercises, the choir will develop a deeper understanding of the music and deliver performances that are engaging and expressive.

Module 6: Rehearsal Etiquette and Discipline

In this module, we will focus on establishing a positive rehearsal environment and cultivating good rehearsal etiquette and discipline. Here are some simple and friendly examples and exercises:

Punctuality: Emphasize the importance of being punctual for rehearsals. Encourage choir members to arrive on time, allowing for a smooth start and maximizing rehearsal time.

Active Listening: Encourage the choir members to actively listen to the conductor and their fellow singers. Remind them to pay attention to instructions, feedback, and any changes in tempo or dynamics during rehearsals.

Respectful Communication: Promote respectful and constructive communication within the choir. Encourage choir members to listen and contribute to discussions in a positive manner, offering suggestions and feedback with kindness and respect.

Follow the Conductor: Remind the choir members to follow the conductor's gestures and cues. Discuss the importance of watching the conductor for cues regarding tempo, dynamics, and entrances.

Focus and Concentration: Encourage the choir members to maintain focus and concentration throughout the rehearsal. Remind them to minimize distractions, such as talking or using mobile devices, during rehearsal time.

Practice Accountability: Encourage self-accountability by asking choir members to individually practice their parts outside of rehearsals. Emphasize the importance of being prepared and responsible for their own musical growth.

Breaks and Water: Remind the choir members to take short breaks when needed and stay hydrated by having water readily available. Encourage them to use breaks wisely and return to rehearsal promptly.

Positive Atmosphere: Foster a positive and supportive atmosphere within the choir. Encourage choir members to uplift and encourage one another, celebrating achievements and offering support during challenges.

Rehearsal Goals: Discuss rehearsal goals and objectives with the choir. Help them understand the purpose of each rehearsal and the desired outcomes. This helps create a sense of purpose and motivation during rehearsals.

Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate the progress and achievements of the choir. Recognize individual and collective growth, and take moments to appreciate the journey and improvements made during rehearsals.

Remember, a positive rehearsal environment fosters a sense of unity and allows for effective learning and growth. By establishing good rehearsal etiquette and discipline, the choir members will develop a sense of responsibility and ownership, leading to productive and enjoyable rehearsals.

Module 7: Sectional Rehearsals

In this module, we will divide the choir into smaller sections for focused practice. Here are some simple and friendly examples and exercises:

Sectional Warm-ups: Begin each sectional rehearsal with specific warm-up exercises tailored to the needs of each section. For example, vocal warm-ups that target specific vocal ranges or techniques relevant to the section.

Sectional Repertoire Practice: Assign each section specific parts of the repertoire to practice independently. Encourage them to focus on their specific harmonies, rhythms, or challenging sections. This allows sections to develop confidence in their parts before integrating them with the rest of the choir.

Sectional Blending Exercises: Bring sections together periodically to work on blending their voices. Practice singing the same phrases or harmonies, focusing on achieving a unified and balanced sound between the sections.

Section Leaders: Appoint section leaders who can guide and support their respective sections during sectional rehearsals. Section leaders can help with note-learning, addressing specific challenges, and fostering a sense of unity and teamwork within their section.

Sectional Performance Opportunities: Occasionally provide opportunities for each section to showcase their work individually. This can be done through small section performances during rehearsals or special events. It helps build section pride and accountability.

Sectional Feedback and Support: Encourage sections to give constructive feedback to each other. This can involve providing supportive suggestions, offering help with challenging passages, or celebrating accomplishments within each section. Foster a collaborative environment where sections support and learn from one another.

Integration Rehearsals: Set aside dedicated rehearsal time to bring the sections together. Use this time to focus on seamless transitions between sections, dynamics, and overall blend. Practice integrating the individual parts into a cohesive and well-balanced choir sound.

Remember, sectional rehearsals provide an opportunity for focused practice and development within smaller groups. Encourage sections to take ownership of their parts and work collaboratively to achieve a unified choral sound. By engaging in these exercises, the choir will enhance their section-specific skills while also strengthening the overall cohesion and musicality of the ensemble.

Module 8: Performance Preparation

In this module, we will focus on preparing for choir performances and ensuring a polished and confident presentation. Here are some simple and friendly examples and exercises:

Stage Presence: Practice standing tall with good posture and maintaining eye contact with the audience. Encourage choir members to smile and convey confidence and enthusiasm while performing.

Choreography and Movement: If appropriate for the repertoire, incorporate simple choreography or movement into the performance. This can include synchronized hand gestures, swaying, or coordinated steps. Practice these movements to ensure they are executed smoothly and enhance the overall performance.

Performance Attire: Discuss and decide on appropriate performance attire as a group. Make sure choir members are informed of the dress code and have enough time to acquire or prepare their performance outfits.

Stage Blocking and Formations: Plan and rehearse stage formations and movements, such as entering and exiting the stage, positioning within the choir, or creating visually appealing arrangements. Practice these formations to ensure a cohesive and organized stage presence.

Vocal Projection: Practice projecting voices to fill the performance space while maintaining good vocal technique. Work on balancing volume and clarity to ensure the audience can hear and understand the lyrics.

Performance Run-throughs: Arrange full run-throughs of the repertoire, simulating a performance setting. This helps the choir develop a sense of continuity and build stamina for performing the entire set of songs.

Audience Engagement: Encourage choir members to interact with the audience during appropriate moments, such as making eye contact or acknowledging applause. This helps create a connection and adds a personal touch to the performance.

Performance Etiquette: Discuss and remind choir members about appropriate behavior during performances, such as remaining focused, refraining from talking or unnecessary movement while on stage, and respecting fellow performers.

Feedback and Reflection: Provide constructive feedback after each performance or rehearsal run-through. Reflect on areas of improvement and celebrate successes. Encourage choir members to learn from each performance and strive for continuous growth.

Dress Rehearsals: Schedule a dress rehearsal before the actual performance, where choir members wear their performance attire and go through the entire performance as they would on the day of the event. This helps ensure that everything, from attire to staging, is in order and familiar to the choir.

Remember, performance preparation is crucial for a successful and memorable choir performance. Encourage choir members to embrace the excitement of performing while remaining focused and committed to delivering their best. By practicing these exercises, the choir will be well-prepared to showcase their talent and create an engaging and captivating performance for the audience.