Volunteer Gospel Choir Training Information
If your volunteer gospel choir lacks a "sense of calling, that sense of ministry . . . you can hear it in the worship experience," says Samuel Friedman in the "New York Times." To do its job, a choir must be trained to inspire the congregation as well as sing, perform and rehearse with the same professionalism as paid singers.
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Attendance
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Gospel choirs set the tone in church worship service. Clear guidelines for what you expect regarding attendance to rehearsals, church services and other events will help make your choir members more reliable. For example, if you require members to attend practice at least twice a month, these expectations should be in writing. Punctuality and any penalties for being tardy to practices or worship services should be highlighted. Members should also know how to inform you when they will be unable to attend or will be late.
Spiritual Commitment
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The importance of spiritual commitment should be emphasized. According to Horace Clarence Boyer, in the "Columbia Missourian," "The . . . hallmark of gospel music is . . . the inner, spiritual inspiration of the singers." Your expectations regarding their dedication to the choir and church should be clear. For example, if regular attendance at Bible study, church membership or shared religious beliefs are required, clear parameters should be set.
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Style and Attire
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Singing style and performance behaviors should be taught so that choir members learn the overall personality of the gospel choir. Clapping their hands, moving to the music or other gestures should be demonstrated.
The important of cohesive attire should be underscored. If the choir will wear robes, give guidance on how often to clean or repair them. If robes are unnecessary, guidelines should be provided for what attire is appropriate and whether fragrances or jewelry are allowed.
Musicianship
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Musicianship qualifications should be clearly specified. If you require that members are able to read music--called sight-singing--quickly learn parts and generally be familiar with music symbols and techniques, those requirements should be highlighted for new or interested members. Although gospel choirs do not typically perform with sheet music, the ability to read music is important when learning the music.
Preparation and Organization
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Learning the music---not just singing along--should be required. If you expect choir members to practice at home, they should know when you expect the music to be learned (for example, by the next rehearsal). The importance of memorization should be emphasized.
A process for maintaining music and other materials should be developed to ensure organization. Sheet music, booklets and folders can be kept in bins. Matters such as whether music can be taken home or written on should be addressed.
Etiquette
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Proper etiquette during church service such as leaving the choir loft, drinking water or chewing gum needs to be clearly outlined. Clear guidelines for what is appropriate in rehearsals should be given, such as whether talking is allowed, how to deal with fellow choir members and when to ask questions to minimize disruption and constructively channel criticism or concerns.
Music Staff and Director
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How to respond to the choir director or any other members of the music staff should be underscored. Directorial cues should be demonstrated so that the choir sits and stands appropriately. Routines will help the choir know when it is time to sin and when to open music simultaneously. For example, in some gospel choirs, members wait for the director to ask them to stand and then open their books. In some choirs, it is the opposite.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit piano image by marianne pichot from Fotolia.com church image by pearlguy from Fotolia.com
