Lessons With Shana

The first choir rehearsal of the year sets the tone for the entire season. Whether I’m working with junior singers or senior vocalists, I’ve found that starting with intention, structure, and warmth makes all the difference. Here’s how I organize that very first rehearsal to build community, assess vocal skills, and lay the groundwork for a successful choral year.

1. Welcome & Seating Plan (or Lack of One)

I greet students at the door and ask them to sit in a semicircle (or loose rows if we’re in risers). For the first rehearsal, I usually don’t assign seats unless I already know the group. I want to observe natural voice types, confidence levels, and leadership instincts before assigning parts or placement.

💡 Tip: If you already know your students, use voice part groupings from the start. If not, keep it flexible until you do some vocal exploration.

⸻

2. Name Games & Community Building

I always include a quick icebreaker or name game — especially with new ensembles or mixed grades. It’s simple but so important. Students need to feel safe to sing with one another, and this starts with learning names, faces, and a few laughs.

Some favorites:
    •    “Name & Movement” circle game
    •    “Find someone who…” choir edition
    •    Group rhythm copycats with names

⸻

3. Breathing & Vocal Warm-Ups

We move into a vocal and physical warm-up next. I model good posture, breath support, and vocal health from day one.

Warm-ups include:
    •    Gentle stretches
    •    Breathing in 4, holding 4, releasing on a hiss
    •    Lip trills and sirens
    •    Call-and-response vocal patterns
    •    Simple solfege patterns (if appropriate for their level)

⸻

4. Quick Vocal Exploration or Voice Checks

Instead of formal voice testing on day one, I often do a “vocal exploration” activity. It’s less intimidating and gives me a sense of vocal range, tone, and confidence.

Ideas:
    •    “Sing back this short pattern if you feel comfortable”
    •    Mini group echoes (high/low/mid)
    •    Simple rounds or partner songs

This gives me enough info to start planning sections — and students feel less on-the-spot.

⸻

5. Introduce a Simple Song

I like to teach one short, fun, achievable piece in the first rehearsal — often something upbeat, a round, or a song with movement. The goal is early success, not perfection.

Suggestions:
    •    “One Bottle o’ Pop” (great for rounds)
    •    “Jubilate Deo” or “Siyahamba”
    •    Body percussion chant or rhythmic call-response

🎼 Pro tip: End the rehearsal with a run-through of this piece, so students leave feeling successful and excited.

⸻

6. Set Expectations Gently

Before we end, I share just 3–4 key expectations for rehearsals. I don’t do the full syllabus or handbook yet — just enough to build respectful habits and emotional safety.

I might say:
    •    We lift each other up.
    •    We give every singer space to try.
    •    We rehearse like we perform — with focus and joy.

⸻

7. Exit Ticket or Reflection

If time allows, I hand out a quick “First Rehearsal Check-In” with questions like:
    •    What was your favorite part of today?
    •    What’s one goal you have as a singer?
    •    Is there anything you want me to know?

⸻

Final Thoughts

Starting a choir isn’t just about notes and rhythms — it’s about creating trust and excitement. That first rehearsal is your chance to make students feel like they belong. If you bring energy, clarity, and connection, the music will follow.

Want to grab my First Choir Rehearsal Checklist and Vocal Warm-Up Routine?

Download them here!

You can also check out my Teachers Pay Teachers store for more valuable resources, including my Composer of the Month Bundle, Music Theory Unit 1, or vocal performance projects.

Lessons With Shana on Teachers Pay Teachers