Over the last year I have been championing the idea of seeing A Choir in Every School. This movement from Music Teachers Association is only going to be successful if we see schools starting choirs. As we reach September, I wanted to offer some thoughts on starting a choir. I firmly believe that when a school has a choir, it will have happy young people. A choir might mean many things to you, but to me, it is a group of people singing. Let’s get down to it and look at how you might start a choir this September.
Where to start
I often say – start somewhere, with something. I think this can apply to choirs – get something going. It doesn’t have to be a chamber choir, or an SATB choir, but of course it could be. You might start with 2 students, or 20, or maybe even 200. This week or next, start a choir, in your music room, with whoever turns up.
The title of this blog is quite blunt in some ways – Start a choir now! But I think my sentiment here is that anyone can start a choir in a school, and you can do it straight away. So now is the time to get your students singing. You can do it, no matter who you are and the training you have. Singer, or not, you can gather students, inspire them and get them singing. Don’t let the word choir stop you from starting.
What to start with
Choosing repertoire is really tough, and will depend on your students. Starting somewhere with something applies to the music too. Pick a song and just get your students singing. Unison is fine, but 2 or 4 part is also great. Just make sure that the music is right for your students and your context. You might like to spend some time thinking about this, and you must have something in mind. Don’t start your choir without something to sing! Whatever song you choose make sure it is one you and the students will enjoy signing.
If you are looking for ideas for songs then I can recommend Out of the Ark & Sing-Up. Also look to Sing for pleasure for some great resources and songbooks. And of course there is the recent addition of the wonderful resources from the BBC Get Singing initiative. If you have any other ideas please add them in the comments below.
When?
Well this will all depend on your school and students. Lunchtime might work, or maybe before or after school. It could be a form time choir, or even a class choir. Whenever you do it, just make sure you work with the time you have. I know that for lots of secondary teachers, lunchtime is quite short. But that is okay and you can get a lot done in 20 minutes. Primary schools may have the challenge of staggered lunches, so just work out how it might work for you.
The key thing for the “when” is that you are consistent and never cancel a rehearsal. Make sure choir is at a time that works for you every week, and a time that isn’t going to often get cancelled. When you do it is important, so spend time looking at your week and find a slot that fits in well with the overall feel of the week.
How?
I wonder if you are worried about the “how” of running a choir. You might feel inexperienced, unqualified or be worried that you can’t sing. There can be lots of worries and concerns around singing, but please, don’t worry. How you run choir is how you run it, and you will only get better over time. I would start with a warm-up, both physical and vocal. There are so many great examples of warm-ups out there, and lots of books to help as well. Once the students are ready to sing, use that song you have chosen and get started.
I mention above to start now because I truly believe that anyone can start a choir. However I am also aware that leading a choir can be tough. So once you have started, look for ways to develop your practice and knowledge of singing. There are lots of events designed to help choral leaders, and you might also benefit from taking part in an event such as Young Voices or Voice in a Million. ABRSM offer some wonderful training, and Sing for Pleasure also support the development of choral leaders. Gabrieli Roar often amazing experiences for young people as do The Royal Opera House. You could also join a choir yourself, or seek the advice or a nearby colleague.
Also encourage your young people to develop as singers and maybe suggest to them looking at other local youth choirs. And then look ahead to the summer holidays where they might like to attend a Rodulfus Foundation Choral Course.
If you are stuck then please get in touch and I can point you in the right direction. The how of running a choir is something you can easily develop over time, so don’t let anything hold you back!
Why choir?
Starting a choir in your school this term will mean that your students have something to look forward to. When choir is on, they have a safe place to enjoy the transformative power of music. They can meet with friends, and mix with students in other year groups. It will benefit their mental health, your well-being as a teacher and the overall culture of the school. You will have a powerful new group to showcase at concerts and school events. Your senior team will be happy, and the parents of the students will also be pleased.
Starting a choir in your school will mean that you are contributing to the enrichment of your students. Giving up a lunchtime to run something like this might seem tough at first. But in the long run you will love seeing the impact of your choir.
The why is simple, we need a choir in every school because singing is a vital and powerful tool for change. It will have an instant impact on your learners, but it may also bring about long term change. I believe that when we have a choir in every school we will have a solid foundation of music making that will have lasting effects on everyone involved.
Start a choir now
I hope that these ideas have got you thinking, and I hope that you will start a choir this term. I truly believe that the future of singing is in our hands. The impact of having a choir in every school is huge, and I hope you feel that in your school. It won’t be easy, and there will be challenges ahead. But I believe in you, and I know that you can do this. There is so much out there to support singing, and I hope to add to my suggestions above. So please get in touch, especially if you don’t think you can do it! I want to encourage you today that you can do it, and you won’t regret it. Music Teachers Association is here to help, and I am also always happy to offer advice.
Start a choir now, put a choir in your school. Then sit back and watch the impact it will have on your school community.
