The Major Key Benefit of Choir Over Band and Orchestra

One BIG Advantage of Choir Over Band and Orchestra

In the world of music education, it’s common to hear band and orchestra students referred to as “musicians,” while choral students are often labeled simply as “singers.” This distinction, though widespread, is misleading and tends to undervalue the depth of musical understanding that choral students can achieve.

While some choral programs might not emphasize music theory and literacy as heavily as instrumental programs, this doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, choral students are uniquely positioned to develop a more comprehensive understanding of music than their instrumental counterparts.

Yes, I could talk at length about the benefits of producing sound without the aid of a physical instrument—enhancing aural training and resonance—but there’s another, even more significant advantage that choral musicians have over instrumentalists: access to the full musical score.

Score Study in Rehearsal

One of the most striking benefits for choral musicians is that they hold the entire score in their hands, just like the conductor. In contrast, band and orchestra musicians typically focus on a single line of music, limiting their awareness of what is happening in the other parts of the ensemble.

Consider the first rehearsal of a new piece for both an instrumental and a choral ensemble. Let’s assume that both groups consist of skilled sight-readers.

In the instrumental ensemble, each musician is attentive to the dynamics and articulations on their individual part, but they lack the full context of what the other musicians are playing. The conductor becomes the sole “listener,” responsible for balancing the ensemble and ensuring that each part is in harmony with the others.

Now, compare this to a choral setting. Choral musicians see not only their part but also the entrances, exits, dynamics, and texture of all the other vocal lines. This comprehensive view allows them to understand how their part fits into the larger musical tapestry. As a result, they can anticipate changes, adjust their performance in real-time, and develop a more nuanced understanding of the piece.

Additionally, choral singers have the opportunity to engage in continuous score study. Even when the conductor is working with another section, choral singers can join in by singing another section’s part or follow along, gaining insight into the entire composition. They can actively listen and learn from other parts, deepening their musicality. On the other hand, instrumentalists during these moments might practice their fingerings or remain passive.

Now, let’s discuss what “remaining passive” typically means in a high school or middle school ensemble.

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Classroom Management Impact

This distinction also impacts classroom management. When teachers of both choral and instrumental ensembles focus on an individual section, disengaged students can lead to behavioral issues and class disruptions. A well-trained choral director has to ability to keep all singers engaged, as they have the tools to remain fully active. Unfortunately, an instrumental director is not afforded that same opportunity; without a complete score, students cannot be as actively involved. When students are disengaged, they seek additional ways to become engaged. These ways include the use of their cell phone, talking with others and studying for other subjects. Once they disengage, it also takes time to bring them back.

Many choral directors don’t realize their ability to engage all singers all of the time. But, if you think about the fact singers have the complete score at their disposal as well as the means to sing all parts, they truly can remain focused and engaged for the entirely of any rehearsal.

Final Words

The next time someone claims that instrumental ensembles produce musicians while choral ensembles produce singers, consider the extensive aural training, sight-singing skills, and real-time score awareness that choral singers develop. These skills not only make them excellent musicians but also give them a holistic understanding of music that is often unparalleled.