Each of the 12 things I list here are integral in building a successful secondary-level choral program. Without all 12 of these things, any choir will struggle to remain consistently successful.
Furthermore, these 12 things will allow a choral program to essentially run itself. When any of these things are lacking, added responsibility falls on the director; as a result, the director is unable to build the program.
Instead, they are focusing their energy on putting out fires instead of being in growth mode.
1. Retention
A great choral program will have a huge number of singers continuing from year to year. There is no way to build a program when there are more new members than returning members.
2. Pride
Singers must love being in the choral program and take pride in being a member. It’s not enough for them to like to sing. Pride is demonstrated by how they talk about the choral program and how they carry themselves at concerts.
3. Musicianship
Music literacy is an over-used and under-explained topic. True musicianship is demonstrated by factors such as: how singers turn a phrase, how quickly they learn and retain their music, how they communicate musically with one another. While sight-reading is one core value of music literacy, it is preceded by aural training. Even a choir that only learns by rote can demonstrate real musicianship.
With that said, I believe Sight Reading Factory is the most effective classroom tool to develop sight-singing skills.
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For singers who clearly struggle to sing in tune or recognize pitches, I recommend using my Sight-Singing Developmental Bundle in conjunction with Sight Reading Factory.
4. Empowerment
Singers who take ownership of their music-making will lead their choral program toward continued excellence. A great choral program has section leaders and musical leaders who can run sectionals, rehearsals, and even conduct at performances.
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5. Effective rehearsal management
Clear expectations have been set and reinforced. As a result, students behave appropriately and are focused throughout the rehearsal. There are clear behavioral guidelines, expectations for participation, routines and procedures to streamline functionality and prevent disruptions.
This is all taught in my course: Choir Crash Course: The 1st Days of Choir (and beyond) Prep.
6. Efficient rehearsals
Great time-management skills and bell-to-bell student engagement is the pinnacle of a well-run rehearsal. A consistent rehearsal structure and full student engagement is a key factor to any choral program. In a well-run rehearsal, very few students have down-time, as the choral director knows how to keep all singers engaged in meaningful activity throughout every rehearsal.
This is also covered in great detail in Choir Crash Course: The 1st Days of Choir (and beyond) Prep.
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7. Engaging concert programs
Appealing performances are an anchor to any great choral program. Regardless of genre, creative programming is extremely important. This can include diverse programming, changes in choir formation, audience involvement, ranges of emotion, seamless flow, varied instrumentation, and so much more.
8. Multi-year Progression and Opportunity
When singers continue in a choral program, they must remain in growth mode. New members must see a reason for wanting to continue. The most compelling reason is the opportunity for continued growth. This comes from further development in individual skills, opportunities for leadership, and recognition.
This approach does not necessarily need to include moving into higher-level ensembles. More opportunity in one choir could be teaching an entire choir a song and having students audition within the choir to sing that song. Some examples could be: solos, leadership positions, changes in seating/standing positioning within the choir, or more advanced sight-singing homework.
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9. Community outreach
Successful choral programs serve their community. They become part of the fabric of that community as they are included in school and local events. They perform at Chamber of Commerce events, interfaith services, sporting events. If there is an important local event happening, the choral program is part of it.
10. Family support
Parents of choir members must support the choir and believe in what we do. Successful choirs understand that our choir family can only be strong when parents are supporting the opportunities and commitments that we are providing to our choirs members. If parents see choir as unimportant or less valuable than other classes, it will be treated as such.
11. Administrative support
Administrative support is so important. While the amount of support differs significantly from one school district to another, successful choral directors understand we need the support of administration. Since our role is to serve the community, it is also our role to serve the administrators, as their job is to serve the best interest of the entire school community.
We should invite our administrators to events, recognize them for their support, and continue to build a positive relationship with them. There may be obstacles or barriers in this area but there is always a way to build a positive relationship over time.
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12. Tradition
Tradition is built over time. You can’t rush tradition. It usually grows organically as successful songs, activities, and events become ingrained in the choir culture. Choir members lead the continuation of all traditions. This becomes a special part of the ensemble’s identity and frequently extends out to alumni.
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