How to Organize & Direct a Church Choir

A church choir can add a wonderful dimension to many types of church services, in addition to providing music for special events and hosting seasonal programs. An effective choir director will realize the hard work and rewards that come with organizing and directing a church choir.

Things You'll Need

• Sheet music

Instructions

1. Find help; choose an assistant director. You need a strong assistant so that you will not need to carry the burden of leadership alone. "The show must go on," even in the event of illness or vacations. Pastoral support will go a long way toward encouraging others to participate. If you or the assistant director need additional training, attend classes or enlist the aid of a retired professional. Ask for help with voice tips, or even coaching, from other choir directors or professionals if needed.

2. Find musicians and if appropriate, instrumentalists. While a choir may include just singers, some choirs also use musicians. Once the word gets out about the church choir, talented and interested individuals will ask about the program. Spread the word to your friends, and you will soon be hosting tryouts for the choir. Advertise in the church bulletin and ask the pastor to announce the search for members. Look for team players who will not try to take over and who do not think they need to sing solos. Musicians can be a bit temperamental. Just because someone is talented does not mean she will be a good fit for the choir.

3. Schedule practices, preferably once a week, for at least an hour but not longer than two hours. This will give the choir time to focus on the music but not be too demanding on their time constraints. In the beginning, the choir should sing at least once a month. Focus on Christmas and Easter music, with some songs for weekly services, depending on how often the choir will sing.

4. Ensure the music is easy enough for a beginning choir. Start small, possibly with a familiar chorus or hymn that flows well, such as "Amazing Grace." Select music according to the types of voices in the choir. "Ave Maria" works for a wide range of voices; a women's choir can perform "Sing a New Song to the Lord." Sing some songs in unison to start, especially if your choir members don't have much experience. Later you can add harmonies, even two parts at a time. Alternating men and women on verses adds variety as well. Make a practice CD so choir members can listen to the songs at home and learn them more easily.

5. Address matters such as electing officers, writing bylaws and creating a contact list for questions, absences, choir robes and rides. Spend time teaching about caring for music and the gathering of sheet music, in addition to general music training. Choir members can take turns teaching as well, on specific choir topics or on a Bible passage. As members take ownership of the choir, they will enjoy their involvement more. Take attendance and have rules regarding participation. Encourage choir members by hosting an annual or semi-annual recognition banquet or reception. Plan social events so the members can get to know each other.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for a dedicated space to hold weekly rehearsals. Use appropriate but updated material. Join a choir club, if necessary. In addition to strong musical abilities, the choir director should be able to read music, have good rhythm, use vocal technique, and be able to conduct the choir. Personal qualities include being prayerful, patient, optimistic, enthusiastic, flexible and a good communicator.

• Don't use photocopied material, unless you have permission to do so.

References

• CCLI: How To Build And Motivate Your Choir Week After Week
• Adoremus Bulletin: How to Form a Choir: In Ten Easy --and not so easy -- Steps
• Start a Choir: Am I Able to Start and Direct a Choir?

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Walton Music: Walton Music Sampler