What do do if you’re missing singing over the long break

Here in the northern hemisphere it’s (supposedly!) summer. Most choirs are having their long break.

I’m often asked by singers what they can do if their choir is not meeting for several weeks. Here are some answers.

What I did on my holiday: tapping into your problem-solving mind without even trying

You’re finally on holiday and have truly switched off.



But did you know that this is a great time to do some work without actually making any real effort? Here’s what I mean.

It’s break time for many choir leaders, but how do you actually switch off?

I’ve written before about why taking time out is so important for choir leaders.

photo by Lance Anderson

But how do you actually switch off to make the most of your downtime?

Choir’s on a break, so where do you sing?

Most choirs take a long break over the summer (which is currently here for a few days in the UK!).



But many singers complain: “What am I going to do without any singing for so long?” Don’t worry, there is help at hand.

Choir leaders: how to give yourself a break and not feel guilty

We all need a break from time to time. Even choir leaders.



But some of us find it hard to prioritise downtime. Here are some ideas for how to take a break without feeling guilty.

What singers can do when choir’s on a break

I know not all choirs take a break at this time of year, but many do.



What can singers usefully do whilst there is no choir?

Busily doing nothing – 5 reasons why downtime is important for singers and choir leaders

Feel like you’re on a treadmill? Constantly learning and practising and planning but never arriving? Not enough time to catch your breath between concerts?

photo by Roger Gordon

Then you need some downtime! That is, time spent doing things completely unrelated to singing and choirs. Here’s why.

Use the long choir break to get better at what you do

Most choirs have a long break at this time of year (whether it’s your summer or your winter).

officially on vacation by Timothy Valentine

Apart from missing the singing and your choir friends, what will you do with yourself? Here are some ways you can use the break to your advantage (whether you’re a singer or choir leader).

What I did on my summer holiday – why we all need a break sometime

Apparently it’s the summer break. The weather is sunny, choir doesn’t start back until September, kids are off school and ice cream vans are cruising the streets.

Photo by Yiannis Logiotatides

So how come I’m stuck in the office and seem to be working as hard as usual?