Choral Literature

Choral Literature...what's right for your choir? Well, that all depends. Picking music for your choir is quite possibly the most important thing that you will do. If you're like me, this process is usually done far away from the rehearsal room in the middle of the summer. Here are some tips that will help you to have stress-free music selection process:

1. Know your singers- Know the ranges and limitations of the singers in your choir. Early in the year, avoid extreme vocal ranges in the music you pick. As the year goes on, your choir will be better-conditioned to sing music with those extreme ranges in them. If you are in the position where you are unsure of the ranges of your singers (you may not have auditions until the beginning of the year), stay safe with your literature. Use songs that teach concepts such as complex rhythm or call-and-response in the process.

2. Program a variety of songs- Make sure to take time and care in programming a concert. Open and close with attention-grabbing songs. Use concept songs in the middle of the program. Other techniques would be section-based programming. This would be opening the program with a set of madrigal pieces, then two or three contemporary pieces in the middle, and ending with a suite of spiritual songs.

3. Build confidence- Giving a choir too much challenging literature can damage morale. Make sure to leave room for some pieces that will come together easier to build their confidence. These pieces can also be used for extreme polishing techniques. Use them to show the rehearsal process as well.

4. Challenge- Don't just use watered down arrangements. Go for it sometimes! Don't shy away from the greats of choral literature. Give your choir Palestrina and Brahms, where else are they going to get it from?

Most of all, be flexible. You may think a piece is going to work and it may not work. Your choir may master a song with little rehearsal. Being flexible and having backup ideas is a must. Enjoy and happy listening.