Church Choir Etiquette
Church choirs are a popular method of worship. The joyful, creative nature of singing unites many Christians, and propels them to form an organization that uses music for faith deliverance. The gentle enforcement of Church Choir Etiquette is necessary to maintain each group's unity, and ensure its primary purpose: "To help raise the hearts and voices of all in praise and thanksgiving," as said by the Holy Trinity Catholic Church Music Ministry.
-
Preparation
-
Being committed to the church choir helps every participating individual remain focused throughout each service. Ideally, members of the choir should be early to every rehearsal and service, or at least on time. Learning the songs in advance, asking other choir members for guidance, making annotations on music sheets and warming up, are practical tools to achieve a successful church choir preparation.
Dress Code
-
Most church choirs have a designated attire. In such cases, it is necessary that members maintain a responsible attitude toward their dress robes. If formal attire is not required during rehearsals or service, church choir members should remember that their primary purpose is to serve the Lord when choosing their outfit. The use of flashy clothes in women is highly discouraged. Likewise, shorts and untidy apparel in men are undesirable.
-
Vocal Care
-
A singer's vocal cords are his musical instrument. Some individuals tend to be more sensitive to scents than others, and every choir member should be conscious about this. Strong scents may trigger allergies or vocal impairments in people, therefore, little or no perfume should be used when attending the church choir to avoid disruptions in both the service and rehearsals.
Cross Talking
-
Cross talking during the service and rehearsals is highly discouraged. Whenever a choir member interrupts another by speaking without a turn or making a meeting inside the church choir's meeting, it may be perceived as rude and incite feelings of resentment within the group. Gossiping about other members of the church community should never be encouraged. Each church choir member should be addressed with the utmost level of respect at all times.
Honesty
-
As a church choir member, a commitment is made to be an active member of the church community. It is necessary to provide a good example by living God's principles inside and outside His sacred grounds. If the main purpose of a church choir is to serve the Lord, serving Him by being a good Christian every day will help you be a good and active member of the church.
-
References
- Photo Credit Coro della chiesa di S. Trophime image by Andrea Todeschini from Fotolia.com