For the church choir to survive into the future I feel there are some crucial elements to consider. Check these ideas out:
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Move from a performance choir to a worship leading choir – This is more of a mindset change that a musical change but a key part for a modern choir. When each individual choir member realizes they are a worship leader it helps the congregation see that no matter where they look on the platform that they have someone to follow.
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Place Emphasis good choral technique and not “gang vocals” style. Whether you are singing Gospel or Choral style even volunteer choirs can learn appropriate technique. Not only does this help the choir to blend better together, but choirs that can blend well are picked up better in microphones and are more present in the house mix!
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Don’t lose the conductor – Just like great choral technique, the choir needs to be able to have entrances and cutoffs together. Don’t lose the person that can drive the train, so to speak. The leaders need a leader. This helps the choir stand out in the mix too.
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Sing new songs all the time – Really curate intentionally what the choir sings and give them the reasons why. Its powerful to sing songs of the past, but you don’t want to get stuck there. Singing new songs also helps younger members engage with something that might otherwise feel antiquated.
