Welcome to Day 5 of Choir Week. Today I’m talking about concert planning and the process of moving from early rehearsals to a polished performance.
Planning your first choir concert can feel overwhelming, especially if you are newer to directing or organizing performances. However, having a clear system makes the whole process much more manageable.
In this post, I’m sharing the steps I use to plan a successful choir concert, along with a free checklist you can print and reuse throughout the year.
Step 1: Map Out Your Concert Timeline
I always begin by planning backward from the concert date.
That usually means identifying important checkpoints such as:
- the concert date
- the dress rehearsal
- the final run-through
- sectionals or part checks
- the first full ensemble run-through
Starting with a backward map helps me pace rehearsals more realistically and gives students a better sense of what they are working toward.
I also like to create a simple concert calendar with key dates and goals. When possible, I post it where students can see it so the process feels more transparent and organized.
Step 2: Choose Repertoire Thoughtfully
Repertoire selection shapes the entire concert experience, so I try to make those choices with both musical growth and student success in mind.
When choosing music, I think about:
- level-appropriate challenge
- balanced programming with contrast in tempo, style, or texture
- a mix of unison and harmony when appropriate
- opportunities for student ownership such as solos, duets, or small leadership moments
The goal is to stretch students without overwhelming them. A good concert program should feel meaningful and achievable at the same time.
Step 3: Organize the Logistics Early
Concert planning is not only about the music. It is also about making sure the logistics are organized well before performance day.
Some of the things I like to track include:
- rehearsal order and staging
- riser or seating charts
- program notes or narration
- volunteers for ushering, lighting, or handing out programs
- microphones, accompaniment tracks, and sound checks
I strongly recommend keeping all concert-related materials in one document, folder, or planning system. That one habit can save a lot of stress later on.
Free Choir Concert Planning Checklist
To make the planning process easier, I created a Choir Concert Planning Checklist that covers everything from repertoire decisions to post-concert cleanup.
It is designed to help you stay organized and keep all the moving parts in one place.
Download the Choir Concert Planning Checklist
A Few Bonus Tips
A few extra habits can make concert planning even smoother.
For example:
- keep backup copies of important music and tech files
- assign a few students as concert helpers or section leaders
- build in time for reflection after the performance
That final reflection can be especially valuable, both for students and for you as the director. It helps you notice what worked well and what you want to adjust next time.
Wrapping Up Choir Week
Thank you for following along during Choir Week. I hope these posts have given you practical ideas and helpful tools for building a strong, confident choir program.
If you missed any of the earlier posts, you can always go back and catch up on the rest of the series.
• Post 1: Welcome to Choir Week
• Post 2: Must-Have Choir Printables
• Post 3: Choral Warm-Ups That Actually Work
• Post 4: What to Do in Your First Choir Rehearsals
• [Post 5: You’re reading it!]
And if you are looking for more choir resources, printables, assignments, or classroom tools, you can browse my collection here:
Lessons With Shana on Teachers Pay Teachers
Leave a Reply