KillingClassicalMusic

This is a guest post by Lawrence Abernathy.  If you would like to submit an article for inclusion within the KillingClassicalMusic community, you are welcome to do so here.

So for the new year you’ve decided to do something different. Something to get away from the reality of work, school – whatever it is you’re escaping – to meet knew people and find a new passion. Maybe you could join a gym and try the latest trendy dance workout. Possibly there is a new book club or poetry reading hour at the local book store; or maybe, just MAYBE, you could join a choir. You know, one of those glee club things that meet once a week and perform some of the greatest music ever composed.

I sense some trepidation from a few folks reading this – it’s almost palpable, even through a computer screen. But, not to worry! This guide is going to show you a step by step guide on how to join a choir, and what you should expect before joining, during the rehearsal schedule and after the performance. With this article I hope to provide at least a look into the realm of choraldom and hopefully show a few people that yes, you can do this and you’ll have a great time doing it.

The first question that you need to ask yourself is: What is my favorite type of music?

If you enjoy heart-pounding action, huge amounts of volume and the sense that you’re on a musical roller-coaster then maybe you should look into a Symphony Orchestra Choir or a large-scale community choir. These choirs are the rock star groups of the choral world and sing music from big name composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Stravinsky, Orff – and usually you’ll know a piece or two from the work you’ll be performing. Ever wanted to be part of the choir that sings that “O Fortuna” song in movie trailers? Here’s your chance. These choirs can number anywhere from 50-200+ people and can accommodate everyone from trained professionals, to new singers and are a great place to really test your skills and have some great experiences.

Or, maybe you prefer something more intimate – something less…well, loud, but still want a similar experience as in a large choir, then maybe a church choir would suite your needs. These choirs can be found at almost every church in America, in every denomination and are a great way to get your feet wet in weekly rehearsals and performances. Because of the weekly performance schedule these choirs quickly develop a sense of community and while they often do not perform the really big works, you’ll probably know many of the tunes that you are singing. Don’t forget! If you’re interested in gospel as well, this could be a great starting place for you!!

Already consider yourself a choral person? I’d then encourage you to look into a a local chamber choir or “semi-professional” ensemble. These groups are primarily made of professional musicians or skilled amateurs who all share a love in tight-knit singing – much of their repertoire can range from very contemporary to very early music. Singing with a chamber choir can be one of the most demanding and rewarding experiences due to the fact that the small numbers can expose the weaknesses in technique and teamwork; but there is no better feeling than when the ensemble “gets it.”

Hey guys: what’s better than getting a bunch of dudes together with some drinks and watching a football game? Don’t know? How about getting a bunch of dudes together to drink and sing some classic hits from barbershop to a capella arrangements of the oldies? After you get a few songs down with the group, you’ll be able to serenade the ladies all night (it works, trust me), as well as leading your section at the football game in the fight song…on key! Remember, singing used to be a right of passage amongst fraternities and while it might not be as prevalent today as it was then, getting a group of guys together to sing is awfully fun. There are hundreds of arrangements for male ensemble, going from 2 voice duets to full choir – so are you man enough to give it a shot?

This is just a taste of what the choral world has to offer for its participants and I hope that this article has proved that there could possibly be a choir fit just for you. In the next article I’ll tackle the “Why join a choir?” question, answer some myths about choral singing (e.g.- I’m tone deaf) and begin to provide some resources for you to find your local choirs.

Lawrence Abernathy is currently studying voice and conducting at the Schwob School of Music in Columbus, GA.  He is also a contributor to Greg Sandow’s blog network, “Rebirth: The Future of Classical Music.”

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