Here are some ideas for how best to integrate new members into your choir.
Joining a new choir can be daunting for new singers, but also a challenge for current singers and choir leaders.
For new singers it’s a bit like going up to big school:
- lots of new faces;
- people already know the way things are done;
- fears that you’re not good enough;
- from being a big fish in a small pond you might now feel like a very small fish in a large lake.
- they might sing better than you;
- they might get on with your friends better than you;
- new singers can upset the group dynamics;
- a large intake might make the choir feel less intimate.
- they will initially take up more of your time and attention;
- they’ll need to learn your existing repertoire;
- they will be unfamiliar with the culture of the choir;
- you may have to explain familiar warm up exercises all over again;
- you have the challenge of placing the new voices in the right places and making sure they fit in properly.
for new singers
Joining an established choir: a guide for new singersHow to be a good choir member
Everybody has a place in the choir
Handy hints for hesitant singers – 10 tips for singers new to choirs
Front, back or side? The best place to stand in your choir
for existing choir members
6 ways to stop the strain of other singers relying on you (or you relying on them)Don’t try to help your fellow singers – it’s not your job
Ask not what your choir can do for you – ask what you can do for your choir
Being in a community choir FAQs 1
Being in a community choir FAQs 2
for choir leaders
How welcoming is your choir?Joining an established choir: a guide for how choir leaders can help new singers
Helping new choir members learn the old songs
Fresh blood: the pros and cons of letting new singers join your choir
Starting over – going back to choir after a long break
I do hope these articles have helped. Do leave a comment and share your experiences of how new singers have been integrated in your choir. I’d love to learn from you!