Lessons With Shana

Your first choir rehearsal sets the tone for the entire semester.
It’s exciting, a little chaotic, and full of possibility — but it’s also one of the most critical moments for building your ensemble’s culture.

And yet, there’s one common mistake so many choir directors make on Day 1:

Jumping straight into singing without laying the foundation.

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Why This Is a Problem

It’s tempting to grab music and start singing right away — after all, you’re excited, and so are your students.

But here’s the issue: If your first rehearsal skips over relationship-building, expectations, and rehearsal culture, you lose valuable time later trying to course-correct.

Think about it:
    •    Have you ever noticed energy dip after the first few rehearsals?
    •    Do you find yourself addressing behavior or focus issues weeks into the semester?
    •    Are you struggling to get students fully engaged in the process?

Chances are, it started on Day 1.

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So What Should You Do Instead?

1. Build Connections First

Before you sing a note, spend time making your choir a community.
    •    Quick name games or partner introductions
    •    Icebreakers that actually connect to music-making (e.g., “Describe your voice in one word and share it”)

When students feel seen and heard, they’re far more willing to take musical risks.

2. Set Clear Expectations

Establish your rehearsal culture upfront.
    •    What does a focused rehearsal look like?
    •    How do students show respect for each other’s voices?
    •    What do you expect in terms of participation, attendance, and preparation?

Clear boundaries at the beginning = fewer problems later.

3. Warm Up with Intention

Instead of diving into repertoire, use your first warm-ups to:
    •    Gauge vocal skill levels
    •    Introduce rehearsal language and key terms
    •    Start shaping a unified sound

Think of it as “teaching them how to rehearse with you.”

4. Introduce Repertoire Gradually

When you do introduce repertoire, don’t aim for a full sing-through.
Instead, try:
    •    Sight-singing a small section together
    •    Breaking into sections to focus on vocal parts
    •    Talking through the text and meaning

This builds ownership and reduces overwhelm.

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A Sample First Rehearsal Flow

Here’s what this could look like:
    1.    Welcome & Introductions (10 minutes)
    2.    Icebreaker / Connection Activity (10 minutes)
    3.    Discuss Rehearsal Expectations & Goals (10 minutes)
    4.    Purposeful Warm-Up (15 minutes)
    5.    First Look at Music (15–20 minutes)
    6.    Closing Reflection – Ask: “What are you most excited about this semester?” (5 minutes)

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Want My First Choir Rehearsal Checklist?

I’ve created a FREE printable checklist you can use to plan your first rehearsal with confidence.
👉 Grab it here!

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Your first rehearsal shouldn’t just be about making sound. It should be about building a culture where every singer feels they belong — and that starts before you even open the music.

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Your Turn:

What’s YOUR favorite way to start the first choir rehearsal? Share it in the comments below!