Reading in Rehearsal, Pt 1

With the added pressure of increasing test scores, many choral directors are faced with new dilemmas. There is no doubt that reading is great for every person, especially our students. But what can we assign to read in Concert Chorale or Chamber Singers?

This is a new challenge that we are facing. While some look at it as invasive and annoying, I look at it as yet another chance to enhance the musicianship of our students. Assigning readings that correlate with pieces that your choir is currently doing can greatly change their relationship with that particular song. Another good idea is to assign readings that research the composers of songs in your program. Hold a program note contest and have the students research the pieces and composers to see who can write the best paragraphs. The winners will be put into the actual program. This really helps to raise reading scores and the musicianship level in your choir.