Table of Contents
Rehearsal Procedures
First Day Rehearsal Procedures
General Rehearsal Structure:
*Student leadership:
Naming Your Choir
Repertoire
Choosing your repertoire
Other considerations
Repertoire sources
Management / Accountability
Be consistent with your policies and procedures
Sample Letters
Choral Directors Handbook
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Choral Directors Handbook
Where to begin?
Prior to any music making it is expected that each teacher develops an effective structure that will
ensure success for your program. First teachers will need to meet with the administration to
discuss and develop common goals for the role of the choir in the school community. Rehearsal
schedule and concert dates should be discussed and developed prior to your recruitment process.
Building a choir has many moving pieces. A strong and consistent plan is essential for all those
pieces to move smoothly.
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Choral Directors Handbook
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Choral Directors Handbook
Rehearsal Procedures
Clear and consistent procedures are essential for effective rehearsals and lessons. Be sure to have
a clear idea of how you would like students to complete everyday procedures before the start of
rehearsals. Choral rehearsals should focus on interacting musically as a group, listening and
blending. You must have a rehearsal plan outlining the concepts/skills to be learned by the end of
the period. Student folders that containing warm-up routines, melodic and rhythm charts, and
repertoire are strongly encouraged. Folders should be distributed within the first two rehearsals of
the year.
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Choral Directors Handbook
*Student leadership:
It is recommended to have students take ownership of the choral program. Doing this empowers
your students to develop leadership skills that can be transferred into other areas of their everyday
lives and futures. Be creative with what roles students can play in a rehearsal beyond singing. This
may include:
● Choral student council
● Attendance taker
● Folder / music librarian
● Smartboard operator
● Assistant conductor
● Classroom managers
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Choral Directors Handbook
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Choral Directors Handbook
Repertoire
Other considerations
When choosing repertoire a teacher can take many other considerations into account for example:
● Concert Themes
● Unison vs parts
● Partner Songs
● 2 & 3 (or more) Part Songs
● Holidays
● School Culture
● Programing: Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.
Repertoire sources
● ETM resource Lab
● Online resources, example: JW Pepper,
● Music Publications: K-8 Music, Music Express, etc.
● ETM teacher community and Instructional Supervisors.
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Choral Directors Handbook
Management / Accountability
To remove an ensemble member, you must show evidence of trying help that student make better
choices and be successful. The parent/guardian has to be kept in the loop and engaged in this
process. If needed, take action fast to get them back on track by using the letters below. Consult
with your Instructional Supervisor before sending one of these letters and allow them to review it.
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Choral Directors Handbook
Sample Letters
Beginning of The Year Letter Beginning of the Year Letter SPA
Checklist