The Choir Genius Blog

All about Choir and Chorus Management - tips from the Choir Geniuses

The Essential Prelude: Warming Up Your Voice Before Singing
Sharlene Kowk Sharlene Kowk

The Essential Prelude: Warming Up Your Voice Before Singing

Before the curtain rises and the first note is sung, every accomplished singer knows the secret to a standout performance begins off-stage with vocal warm-ups. This blog post discusses some useful tips, things to avoid, and a video of one of our favourite vocal warmups!

Read More
Options for choir communication in a digital world
Sharlene Kowk Sharlene Kowk

Options for choir communication in a digital world

Are you looking for effective ways to keep your choir members in perfect harmony, not just musically but also in terms of communication? We're diving into the world of choir communication, exploring both free and paid methods that can make your life easier and keep your choir singing from the same page.

Read More
Harmonizing with Technology: How Tech Enhances Accessibility in Choir Communities
Sharlene Kowk Sharlene Kowk

Harmonizing with Technology: How Tech Enhances Accessibility in Choir Communities

Explore how technology is transforming choir communities in our latest blog post, 'Harmonizing with Technology: How Tech Enhances Accessibility in Choir Communities.' Discover the revolutionary impact of virtual rehearsals and remote participation, allowing singers from various locations to connect seamlessly. Dive into the world of digital music sheets and interactive learning tools that make accessing and practicing choir music more efficient and engaging. Learn about the benefits of recording and playback technology in enhancing choir practice and performance. Understand the role of social media and communication platforms in building a strong, interconnected choir community. Gain insights into how educational technology provides personalized learning experiences for skill development. See how specialized software streamlines choir management, making administrative tasks easier for choir leaders. Finally, appreciate the inclusivity brought by assistive technologies, ensuring everyone can participate in choir activities. This comprehensive post highlights the pivotal role of technology in making choir participation more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for all. Perfect for choir enthusiasts, music educators, and technology aficionados.

Read More
Staying in Tune: Strategies for Music Educators to Avoid Burnout
Sharlene Kowk Sharlene Kowk

Staying in Tune: Strategies for Music Educators to Avoid Burnout

For music educators, avoiding burnout is crucial for both personal well-being and the quality of their instruction. Key strategies include delegating responsibilities, creating a supportive network, setting realistic goals, using technology effectively, and prioritizing self-care.

Read More
Harmony in Diversity: Mastering the Art of Community Choir Rehearsals
Sharlene Kowk Sharlene Kowk

Harmony in Diversity: Mastering the Art of Community Choir Rehearsals

The key to a successful community choir rehearsal plan lies in balancing the musical goals with the social and personal needs of its members. It involves careful selection of repertoire, structuring of rehearsals, attention to vocal health, incorporation of social elements, and the use of technology and resources.

Read More
Crafting Harmony: A Guide to Creating Rehearsal Accompanist Contracts for Choirs
Tom Metzger Tom Metzger

Crafting Harmony: A Guide to Creating Rehearsal Accompanist Contracts for Choirs

In the world of choir management, establishing clear and comprehensive contracts with rehearsal accompanists is pivotal for a harmonious collaboration. This blog post provides an insightful guide on creating such contracts in the United States, offering essential guidelines and considerations for choir directors. Covering key aspects like compensation, scheduling, professionalism, and legal compliance, the post also emphasizes the importance of seeking local legal counsel to ensure adherence to specific state laws. Included is a customizable template to assist choir directors in formulating contracts that not only foster positive working relationships but also protect the interests of both parties involved. Crafting harmony extends beyond the choir performance, and a well-crafted contract sets the stage for a successful musical journey.

Read More
The Digital Crescendo: Embracing Technology and Innovations in Choirs
Tom Metzger Tom Metzger

The Digital Crescendo: Embracing Technology and Innovations in Choirs

In the ever-evolving chorus of choral music, technology and innovation are the new harmonies enriching our melodies. They are redefining the boundaries of what choirs can achieve, from AR-powered rehearsals to AI-composed choral pieces. As choir managers and enthusiasts, our challenge is to tune into these technological advancements, ensuring our choirs not only keep pace with the times but lead the way in this exciting digital era of music-making.

Read More
Harmonizing Leadership: The Symphony of Choir Governance
Tom Metzger Tom Metzger

Harmonizing Leadership: The Symphony of Choir Governance

In the grand composition of choir governance, each leader plays a vital role, harmonizing their skills and passions to create a choir that resonates with excellence and unity. It’s a journey of continuous learning, adapting, and above all, leading with the heart. Here, leadership is not just about guiding the choir but about creating a space where music, community, and growth flourish together in perfect harmony.

Read More
Singing Together, Growing Together - Choirs in Community Engagement and Outreach
Tom Metzger Tom Metzger

Singing Together, Growing Together - Choirs in Community Engagement and Outreach

In the harmonious world of choirs, community engagement and outreach are the melodies that resonate beyond the notes. These initiatives are the heartbeat of the choir’s connection with its community, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences, joy, and growth. As we step out of the concert halls and into the hearts of our communities, we find that our songs have the power not just to entertain, but to transform, unite, and heal.

Read More
Choir Operations in 2024 - Adapting to a New World of Music
Tom Metzger Tom Metzger

Choir Operations in 2024 - Adapting to a New World of Music

In 2024, choir operations are harmonizing with the rhythms of a changing world, embracing the symphony of technology and tradition. This blend is creating a new kind of choir – one that sings not just in concert halls but across digital platforms, reaching hearts and souls worldwide. For choir managers, this era is an exciting concerto of opportunities, challenges, and innovations, a chance to reimagine what a choir can be and how it can resonate in the modern world.

Read More
Behind the Scenes: Mastering Concert Production and Logistics for Choirs
Tom Metzger Tom Metzger

Behind the Scenes: Mastering Concert Production and Logistics for Choirs

In the symphony of choir management, concert production and logistics are the crescendos and diminuendos that create a harmonious experience. It's about orchestrating the unseen elements that make a performance not just a concert but an event. From the first note of planning to the last note of the performance, every detail plays a crucial part in the choir's success. So, dear choir managers, take the baton and lead your choir to a standing ovation, not just for the music but for the experience you’ve crafted.

Read More
Hitting the Right Notes: Vocal Health and Technique for Choirs
Tom Metzger Tom Metzger

Hitting the Right Notes: Vocal Health and Technique for Choirs

In the symphony of choir management, the melody of vocal health and technique plays a crucial role. It's about harmonizing the physical and emotional aspects of singing, ensuring each voice in the choir resonates with clarity and strength. As we guide our choirs in this journey, we not only enhance their musicality but also their joy in singing. And that, dear choir managers, is music to our ears.

Read More
The High Notes of Marketing: A Choir Manager's Guide to Standing Out
Tom Metzger Tom Metzger

The High Notes of Marketing: A Choir Manager's Guide to Standing Out

And so, dear choir managers, remember: marketing your choir is like hitting that perfect high note – it might take a few tries, but once you get it, the whole room lights up. Whether it’s through quirky social media posts, flash mob performances, or simply engaging with your local community, the key is to keep it fun, keep it fresh, and keep it uniquely you. After all, in the grand choir of life, it's not just about being heard – it's about being remembered

Read More
Harmonizing Structure with Passion - The Essentials of Choir Management and Organization
Tom Metzger Tom Metzger

Harmonizing Structure with Passion - The Essentials of Choir Management and Organization

Effective choir management is an art that harmonizes administrative skill with musical passion. At the core of this harmony are structured rehearsals. Picture a choir where every rehearsal begins and ends on time, each session purposefully advancing towards a well-defined goal. This precision in time management not only reflects respect for the members' commitment but also maximizes the choir's artistic growth.

But the true rhythm of a choir's success lies in its community. Imagine a choir where every voice is heard, not just in song but in the spirit of the ensemble. Regular, clear communication forms the melody of this community, keeping members in tune with each other’s needs and the choir’s objectives.

And then, there's the stage where it all comes together—the performances. Here, the meticulous planning behind the scenes shines as brightly as the voices on stage. From the strategic selection of the venue to the nuances of lighting and sound, every detail harmonizes to create a performance that resonates not just with the audience but deep within every choir member.

In essence, managing a choir is about orchestrating a myriad of details into a symphony of organized effort and musical ecstasy. It's about guiding a diverse group of individuals to unite in a single, harmonious purpose."

Read More
Choir Management 101 - Registration
Daily Management Guest User Daily Management Guest User

Choir Management 101 - Registration

Whether you allow ongoing registration, or only take in new members or renewals once per year, it always involves a ton of communication with individual people, policies, and money, making it one of the most important and most frustrating parts of choir management. If you enter into this without a plan, it's going to be chaos, but if you think it through, you can come out the other side with the satisfaction of a critical job well done. You may even be well-rested at the end! Here's your guide to creating a registration game plan.

Read More