Here is a rough draft of a handout I want to give to our choir - any questions you would add/change/expand on?
CHOIR CATECHISM
Why do we have rehearsals?
- To prepare ourselves physically and spiritually for Sunday morning service. Ideally we should have at least 3-4 practices of a song before singing it in public.
Why do we pray at practice?
- To get ourselves into the proper frame of mind, by taking the focus off of self, and onto God. Everything we do should be for His glory.
Why do we do vocal warmups?
- To prepare our voices. People do warm-ups before exercise; the same principle applies for healthy singing.
Why do we memorize the words?
- To free our hands and bodies for choreography (hand, body motions). Our lyrics are projected on the screen, just in case.
Why do we do motions?
- To emphasize the lyrics (like leaning, pointing upward, clapping, etc.)
Coordinated, unified action gives dramatic emphasis to a song.
Why do we learn Soprano, Alt, Tenor (SAT) parts?
- To enrich the choirs sound. Gospel Choir is usually 3-part harmony.
Why do we have rehearsal CDs?
- To prepare ourselves by listening to and getting familiar with the songs,
before we come to rehearsal.
Why do we sing more than one song per rehearsal?
- To learn new songs and review old ones.
