Church Choir Performance Etiquette
Church choir performances call for a certain code of conduct from singers, accompanists and audience members alike. While similar to classic musical etiquette, there are additional considerations for performances when they take place at church.
Other People Are Reading
-
Significance
-
Although entertainment and showcasing the group's talent may be involved, worshipping God is the most important part of these events, according to Adoremus.org.
Guiding Principle
-
Respect for sacred purpose should govern the behavior of all present. While bad manners at a secular event are irritating and rude, they're even more offensive during a church program.
-
Audience Etiquette
-
Attending a church choir performance "is very different from going to a movie or a rock concert," according to St. Martin's Chamber Choir. "The rule of thumb...is to be considerate of the performers and of other audience members, and not cause distractions that will disturb the atmosphere of the performance."
Choir Etiquette
-
Proper behavior for musicians involves sufficient preparation, timeliness, proper attire, following the director's cues and not drowning out fellow choir members.
Events in Church
-
Because most sacred music concerts occur in a house of worship, pastors greatly impact performance etiquette. Their rules must be obtained ahead of time and effectively communicated in the program or with a general announcement. This is usually the responsibility of the choir director or event coordinator.
-
References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Scott Schram
Comments
-
smccadmin
Jan 06, 2010
A small note - St. Martin's Chamber Choir's article on choral concert etiquette was meant to be applicable to both sacred and non-sacred performances. St. Martin's is not a church-related ensemble; it is a professional chamber choir, and its concerts are presented not in the context of worship, but as non-religious musical presentations.
