Y NOW, I think the summer break is over for most of the church choirs around the world. This is the time when choir rehearsals and choral liturgies resume. Now is the beginning of a new season! And it is very important to start a season correctly.
First of all, PRAYER!!! Prayer should be the nature of all music in a church. It is important that we acknowledge spiritual aspect of sacred music. Say a quick prayer before the choir rehearsal, and then pray the music throughout the rehearsal or liturgy. Some church choirs would even have a commission ceremony to stress the importance of the role and responsibility of a liturgical choir.
The beginning of a season is also a good time to set some goals, perhaps some challenging pieces that the choir would learn or some methods that would help raise the musical standard of the choir. This is also the time to review some of the old repertoire and basic choral techniques, as some choir members might have left and new choir members are just starting. Many things can be sorted out now, before the “chaotic” Advent and Christmas.
Now is also a time for some laughter and sharing. Maybe share about what we have done over the summer. Relax and no need to get stressed out at the first week of choir practice! Here is something fun, but also serves as a good reminder for all:
Prayer of Confession for Choir Members:
Almighty and most merciful Conductor,
We have erred and strayed from thy beat like lost sheep;
We have followed too much the intonations and tempi of our own hearts.
We have offended against thy dynamic markings.
We have left unsung those notes that we ought to have sung,
And we have sung those notes that we ought not to have sung.
And there is no support in us.But thou, O Conductor, have mercy upon us, miserable singers;
Succor the chorally challenged;
Restore them that need sectionals;
Spare thou them that have no pencils.
Pardon our mistakes, and have faith that hereafter we will follow
Thy directions and sing together in perfect harmony.
On a more serious note, a friend of mine sent me this link on “Choir etiquette” and I think it is very practical and would be helpful to many of our readers. May we continue to glorify God with our voices!
Soli Deo Gloria!
