In Part 1 of this guide, we covered a lot of practical initial steps for starting a children's choir at your church. Now let’s explore how to foster a positive environment in rehearsal, maintain communication with parents, and evaluate progress over time.
1. Foster a Positive Rehearsal Environment
Encouragement
Creating an atmosphere where children feel valued and encouraged is essential for the choir's success. Some ways to do this include:
- Offering specific praise for effort and improvement -- give clear, concrete examples instead of "good job!"
- Celebrating small victories and milestones.
- Creating a "Choir Member of the Month" or something similar recognition program.
- Encouraging peer support and mentorship among members through things like sectionals or choir retreats.
Team Building
Incorporate activities that foster camaraderie among choir members:
- Start rehearsals with fun icebreakers or warm-up games that promote interaction.
- Plan occasional social events (consider having a retreat to start the year out strong!) or outings for choir members to strengthen relationships outside of rehearsals.
- Encourage collaboration through small group activities during rehearsals where they can work together on parts of songs -- think sectionals (depending on age of singers).
- Create choir t-shirts or other items to build a sense of identity within the group.
6. Performance Opportunities
Regular Services
Plan regular performances during church services to give children a chance to share their talents. This could involve:
- Singing during Sunday worship services once a month.
- Participating in special holiday services (Christmas, Easter) where their contributions can shine brightly.
Special Events
Consider participating in community events, holiday programs, or concerts outside of regular services. This not only showcases their talents but also helps them gain confidence in performing publicly and gives the community a window into church without coming to church. Opportunities might include:
- Local festivals or fairs where they can perform as part of community outreach and evangelism efforts.
- Collaborative concerts with other choirs in the area that allow them to connect with peers.
7. Communication with Parents
Involvement
Keep parents informed about rehearsals, performances, and any other important information through newsletters, emails, apps, or group chats. Effective communication can include:
- Regular email updates about upcoming events and schedules so parents know what to expect.
- A dedicated social media group or chat thread where parents can ask questions, share experiences, and stay connected.
- Consider having parents volunteer per semester or monthly (depending on the size of your group) to keep things running smoothly.
Feedback
Encourage feedback from parents about their children's experiences in the choir. This can help you understand what’s working well and what might need adjustment. Consider conducting informal surveys after performances or at the end of each season to gather insights from families.
8. Evaluate and Adapt
Continuous Improvement
After each performance or season, take time to evaluate what worked well and what could be improved. Gather input from both children and parents to make necessary adjustments in areas such as:
- Rehearsal effectiveness: Are children engaged? Are they learning? Are they excited to be involved in both rehearsing and performing?
- Performance quality: How did they feel about their performance? What feedback did they receive from the congregation?
Growth Opportunities
As the choir grows, consider opportunities for further development such as workshops led by guest musicians or collaborations with other choirs. These experiences can provide fresh perspectives and inspire creativity within your group.
By following the strategies across both parts of this guide, you'll be well-equipped to establish a thriving children's choir at your church. If you are seeking specific counsel regarding your congregation's situation or how to structure something, or need someone with experience to be a helpful sounding board, do not hesitate to reach out to me. I have great experience starting choirs in a variety of contexts. Remember that success lies in careful planning, consistent effort, and a genuine love for both music and children. With patience and dedication, your children's choir will become a cherished part of your church's worship experience—nurturing young talents while enriching the spiritual lives of all involved!
Creating a children's choir at your church can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both the young participants and the entire congregation. Not only does it provide an opportunity for young voices to be heard, but it also fosters a sense of community, teaches valuable musical skills, and enhances the worship experience for all ages. If you're considering starting a children's choir, here's a step by step guide to help you get started on this exciting journey. For 1-1 customized support from someone who has successfully built choirs like this, check out my music leadership coaching.
1. Define Your Vision
Purpose of the Choir
Before diving into the practical aspects, it's crucial to clarify the purpose of your children's choir. Take some time to reflect on and discuss these questions with your team:
- Will the choir perform during regular Sunday services, special events, or both?
- What age group(s) will you include? Will you focus on elementary school children, preschool children, and/or will you extend the range to include middle schoolers?
- What style of music will you focus on? Will you stick to traditional hymns, incorporate contemporary Christian music, focus on choral sacred music, or aim for a blend of styles?
Having a clear purpose will guide your decisions moving forward and help you communicate your vision to others.
Goals
Set specific, achievable goals for your choir. These could include:
- Musical development: Improving pitch, rhythm, and harmony skills.
- Spiritual growth: Deepening understanding of worship and worship leading through music.
- Community building: Fostering teamwork and friendships among choir members.
- Church involvement: Increasing children's participation in church.
Having clear goals will help you measure progress and keep everyone motivated.
2. Gather Support
Church Leadership
Engaging with your church leadership (pastors & elders) is a crucial step in establishing your children's choir. Present your vision and explain how it aligns with the church's mission and values. Their support can be invaluable in securing resources, promoting the choir, and integrating it into church life. Schedule a meeting with your pastor or elder board to discuss:
- The benefits of a children's choir for the church community.
- Resource requirements (space, budget, equipment).
- How the choir can enhance worship services and special events.
Volunteers & Staff
A successful children's choir requires dedicated volunteers and sometimes staff. Recruit individuals who are not only passionate about music but also enjoy working with children. Potential volunteers/staff might include:
- Music teachers from your congregation or community.
- Parents with musical backgrounds or experience.
- Older youth who can serve as mentors to younger children.
- A pianist in the congregation.
Consider creating specific roles, such as:
- Choir director.
- Assistant director.
- Accompanist/Collaborative pianist.
- Music librarian.
- Parent coordinator/communication liaison.
3. Logistics and Planning
Age Groups
Deciding on the age range for participants is an important consideration. You might choose to have:
- A single choir for all children (e.g., ages 8-14).
- Multiple choirs based on age groups (e.g., 7-10 and 11-14).
- Choirs based on skill level rather than age.
Consider the number of interested children, available resources, and your conductor/instructor's capabilities when making this decision.
Rehearsal Schedule
Establishing a regular rehearsal schedule is crucial for consistency and progress. When planning your schedule:
- Choose a day and time that works for most families (e.g., Sunday afternoons or Wednesday evenings).
- Determine the duration of rehearsals (30-60 minutes is usually ideal for children, no longer depending on age).
- Decide on the frequency (weekly rehearsals are common, but bi-weekly might work better for some churches -- consider how long a semester is as well as how a child gains missed info if they miss a rehearsal when deciding this).
- Plan for additional rehearsals/run-throughs before major performances.
Location
Secure a suitable space for rehearsals that is conducive to singing and learning. This could be:
- A church classroom with good acoustics.
- The main sanctuary (if available and appropriate).
- A fellowship hall or multi-purpose room.
Ensure the space has adequate lighting, ventilation, piano/sound system, and seating for all choir members.
4. Choose Repertoire
Selecting Music
Choosing the right songs is crucial for engaging children and creating meaningful performances, and quite possibly the most challenging part when starting out. When selecting music:
- Choose age-appropriate songs that challenge but don't overwhelm your choir. Go for quick success at the beginning with unison works!
- Include a mix of traditional hymns and contemporary songs to appeal to both children and the congregation.
- Consider the themes of upcoming services or events to align your repertoire.
- Look for songs with educational value (e.g., teaching biblical stories or concepts).
- Appropriate Range for Children's Voices: Ensure that selected pieces fall within an appropriate vocal range for children. Typically, this means avoiding low notes that may strain their voices while focusing on melodies that allow them to sing comfortably in their natural range.
If you need assistance with this step, don't hesitate to reach out! I love helping new directors program repertoire for their choirs!
Teaching Methods
Incorporate various teaching methods to cater to different learning styles:
- Use call-and-response techniques, especially for younger children.
- Provide visual aids like sheet music or lyric sheets for those who can read.
- Incorporate movement or hand motions to make learning more engaging and memorable.
- Use recordings or videos to help children practice at home.
This concludes part 1! Stay tuned for part 2 of this comprehensive guide.
