Lessons With Shana

Welcome to Day 5 of Choir Week! Today we’re talking about concert planning — the workflow from your first rehearsal to a polished performance. This can feel overwhelming (especially if you’re a new teacher), but having a clear system makes it so much easier.

I’m sharing the steps I take to organize a successful concert — and giving you a free checklist you can print and reuse all year long.

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📝 Step 1: Map Out the Timeline

I always start with a backwards map from the concert date:
    •    Concert Date: 🎶
    •    Dress Rehearsal: 👗
    •    Final run-through: ✅
    •    Sectionals or part checks: 🎧
    •    First full run-through: 🗂

💡 I create a concert calendar with key dates and goals — and I post it where students can see it too!

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🎶 Step 2: Choose the Right Repertoire

Think about:
    •    Level-appropriate challenges
    •    Balanced programming (fast/slow, unison/harmony, different languages or genres)
    •    Opportunities for student ownership (solos, duets, conducting)

You want to stretch your students just enough without overwhelming them.

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🗂️ Step 3: Organize the Logistics

Here’s what I track:
    •    Rehearsal order & staging
    •    Riser/seating charts
    •    Program notes or narration
    •    Volunteers for ushering, lighting, or programs
    •    Tech: mics, tracks, sound checks

I recommend using a single document or folder for all concert-related materials. It saves so much stress.

🎁 Freebie: Choir Concert Planning Checklist

To help you stay on track, I’ve created a detailed checklist that covers every part of the planning process — from repertoire selection to post-concert cleanup.

🎁 Download it here ➤

💡 Bonus Tips:
    •    Keep backup copies of everything — especially music and tech files
    •    Assign a few students as “concert captains” to help with behind-the-scenes jobs
    •    Build in time for reflection afterward (student & teacher!)

🙌 That’s a Wrap on Choir Week!

Thank you for joining me! If you missed any of the previous posts, you can catch up here:
    •    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!]

✨ Want more resources like these?
Follow me on TpT, or check out my growing collection of choir tools, assignments, and classroom visuals!

Lessons With Shana on Teachers Pay Teachers