It’s important for singers to feel wanted and to know that they play an important part in their choir.
But if nobody notices you, how will you ever shine?
Here are 10 ways to make sure you get noticed in your choir.
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Always arrive fashionably late to rehearsals
And make sure everyone knows you’ve arrived by banging the door, shuffling noisily through chairs, or loudly announcing “I’m here now!”
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Publicly react to mistakes
If someone in your part gets something wrong, don’t reproach them directly. Be more subtle: roll your eyes, tut loudly, and prod nearby singers. You could even point.
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Never miss important gossip
Take every opportunity to chat with other singers in your part, even when you’re supposed to be singing. It’s not worth missing any gossip.
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Interrupt whenever necessary
If you have a question about a song, interrupt your choir leader mid-song and ask it loudly. You never know, it might help other singers too.
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Keep your sheet music in chaos
Make sure your sheet music is in a loose-leaf folder. You never know what’s coming next, so you’ll need instant access to everything at all times. No point in putting songs in order or using a ring folder. And if you drop it all over the floor, that’s a handy way to randomise your filing system.
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Don’t over-prepare
Never practise songs at home. Homework might be wasted if you learn something incorrectly. Besides, you don’t want to overuse your voice or rehearse so much that the songs go stale.
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Take new members under your wing
Point out their mistakes and help them learn songs by conducting them personally from within your section. Make yourself indispensable. And keep them fully up to date with all the latest gossip.
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Improve the choir uniform
Audiences don’t want to watch a sea of identically dressed singers. Brighten things up with colourful accessories — the brighter the better — especially if they clash spectacularly with the official choir colours.
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Add your own choreography
Some choirs do a little swaying or clap on the off-beat. Fine — if you like the ordinary. Slip in a few more extravagant moves that help you stand out. Nobody wants to be a sheep.
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Always claim the front row
No matter how tall you are, it’s vital that you can see your choir leader at all times. Push confidently to the front and make sure you have plenty of room. Use your elbows to make sure other singers aren’t standing too close.
And finally, this won’t get you noticed, but it’s important nonetheless:
Keep your phone on at all times — in rehearsals and concerts. You never know when someone might need to contact you in an emergency. You’d feel dreadful if you missed a dinner invitation.
Chris Rowbury
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