Risers vs. Chairs

How we rehearse is how we will perform. So should we rehearse on risers everyday so the choir will be comfortable in performance. Is this practical?

I believe the answer is yes and no. I think that you should devote a good amount of time learning to sing on risers. The sound is different. The acoustics are different It is virtual suicide to leave risers out until the dress rehearsal. However, with that said, I think that it is not practical to have risers out everyday for rehearsal. First of all, depending on the class length (85 minutes in the case of my choirs) standing the entire time is out of the question and sitting on the risers is sure to promote terrible posture.

So set them up in the back and have chairs set up as well. Move frequently between the two and your choir will learn to be flexible and hopefully Sicut Cervus will be less likely to fall apart on the concert!