Choir Director Tips for Summer 2024
Hi Choir Director colleagues,
I hope your choir season is coming to a nice close!
My name is Dr. Michael Carney and I am a choir director and orchestra/band conductor
After working with thousands of singers in many different high level programs, here are my best tips for using this summer wisely as a music director.
1) Take a deep breath
No - don't literally take a deep breath unless you need one!
But, listen up:
Without a doubt, the previous season has been a mix of highs and lows
Like any normal person, we have to take some time to process 'what just happened'
I invite you to take just 5 minutes to think through the previous year
Just think through the months and see what comes up for you
Here are a few questions to consider, but don't feel you have to answer all of them:
What has gone well? Better than you expected?
What has gone poorly? Worse than you expected?
What is the greatest area that 'needs improvement' for next year?
What is the greatest area of growth for next year? (could be the same thing)
2) Implement 1 or 2 significant changes
If you're like most choir directors, there is a big change or two that has been sitting on your heart for a while
It could be something as simple as singing "Happy Birthday" for your members to build the choir as a community
Or something more complex like sitting down with your boss to request a change in the position's structure
Either way - these early summer months are a great time to reflect and make significant changes going into the next year
The seeds we plant now will create the garden we experience later...
Just be sure to think about your decisions carefully and weight the pros and cons!
3) Plan for the fall
It is never too early to plan for the upcoming choir season
In my humble opinion, you should be looking at skeleton planning for at least September through November
Get a spreadsheet going and get to work
There are SO many advantages to this planning strategy - easier time ordering music, peace of mind, frees up time in the fall, decreases stress
But, keep in mind:
Start the year with a couple of easy wins - things your choir can do with 95% success rate or higher
Plan out something very engaging shortly thereafter
A new piece with beautiful harmonies or melodies should do the trick!
The key is to capture their attention from the first rehearsal... plus give them a good "win" so they are motivated to continue
If you're smart, choose new pieces that you are excited about doing with your choir! The excitement will carry over to them!
4) Sharpen the Saw
The summer is the BEST time to get outside help and resources
Not only will that make your choir sound better, but it will also help you to grow your program (size) and reduce the stress on the choir director!
Why? Because by learning to do things even 5% better, you will save yourself hours over the next year and hundreds of hours of time (and stress) over the next few years
Here are a few resources that I offer, but I don't care where you go to learn more, just make sure you do it during the summer months!
(free) Learn some new choral warmups
Get 1-1 coaching (through an online course)
Just today I received a nice 'thank you' from a client who purchased my Choir Essentials Training Program platinum version
"Thank you so much for all your advice!! I can’t tell you how helpful it is to get to talk through all these thoughts and upcoming decisions with an experienced director."
It is these experiences that make it all worth it to me. I know her enthusiasm will trickle into her choir members as well
Alright, I hope this was a helpful list and you are compelled to take action.
I wish you a beautiful, relaxing, productive and peaceful summer!
Dr. Mike from Music Ministry 101
https://www.musicministry101.com/
