How to Choose Music for a Choral Group

Selecting music for a choral group is a meticulous process that requires a deep understanding of the ensemble's capabilities and the inherent qualities of a piece. It is similar to choosing music for a Concert Band or String orchestra, but it has its own special challenges. The choral director plays a crucial role in this decision-making process, serving as the guiding force behind selecting music that not only challenges the singers but also properly portrays their abilities. Here's an in-depth guide on how a choral director can assess and determine if a choral piece is suitable for their ensemble. 

Understanding the Choral Group's Proficiency 

Before delving into the selection process, it's essential for a choral director to comprehend the proficiency level of the ensemble. Assessing vocal skills, musical comprehension, range, and overall musicality of the group forms the foundation for selecting suitable music. 

1. Vocal Proficiency Assessment: Evaluate the vocal range, blend, and tonal quality of the ensemble. Consider individual voice types and how they contribute to the collective sound. You may also consider how many of your singers possess an ability for singing a solo or performing in a small group. Some pieces of music lend themselves to a small group inside the total ensemble, perhaps to sing a very quiet or somber part of the song.
   
   This may best be done by having individuals, then small groups, either all of one section or cross-section, sing the same part of a song so that an impartial assessment can be made.
   
   
2. Musical Complexity: Analyze the group's comfort with various musical elements such as harmonies, dynamics, phrasing, and vocal techniques. This assessment helps in identifying suitable challenges for the choir.

 > When considering the group’s ability to sing different harmonies, it may be a good idea to consider what kind of harmonies they have been listening to. That won’t tell you everything, but it may give you a good start. > Another way is to have them sing progressively closer chord parts. Start with octaves, then fifths and fourths. Progress up to major and minor thirds, whole steps and finally half steps, as in seven and major seven chords.

3. Text and Language Consideration: Understand the group's proficiency in singing in different languages and interpreting varied text settings. This factor is crucial in selecting pieces that the choir can interpret and convey effectively. If a choral ensemble is going to expand its understanding of legitimate diversity in its repertoire, it must be able to sing in different languages, even if its only by rote learning.

Some choral groups can master different languages with complex harmonies. Some may need to start closer to the beginning of the process. Learning to sing at least a verse or two of a favorite Christmas piece or other work, using its familiar parts, can introduce singers to the challenge and satisfaction of singing in other languages. 

Evaluating the Choral Piece Once armed with an understanding of the ensemble's capabilities, the choral director can meticulously examine a potential piece to ascertain its suitability. Several criteria can be considered: 

1. Vocal Range and Part Writing: Review the vocal ranges and part writing of the piece. Ensure it suits the singers' vocal capabilities, providing a balanced distribution of vocal parts and appropriate challenges for different sections.
2. Musical Difficulty: Assess the technical demands within the piece. Consider factors like complex rhythms, challenging intervals, and dynamics. Aim for a piece that provides growth opportunities without overwhelming the singers.
3. Text and Theme Relevance: Consider the text and thematic elements of the piece. Ensure it resonates with the choir and allows them to connect emotionally, fostering a sincere and passionate performance. Be very careful not to embrace fad themes; topics that are now politically correct may be contradicted in just a few months, or at least by the next time you want your group to sing the song.
4. Teaching Opportunities: Look for pieces that offer teaching moments. A piece that introduces new vocal techniques, interpretation challenges, or musical concepts can be valuable in the choir's educational journey.
5. Performance Context: Consider the performance context and audience. Choose pieces that align with the ensemble's strengths while captivating the audience's attention and interest.

 This has been included in a number of my other blogs, but it bears repeating:
While it's important to choose music that the group can perform well, don't be afraid to introduce a slightly challenging piece to encourage growth. Just ensure that it's within their reach with dedicated practice. This bit of challenge is called The Pygmalion Effect, which is an experience where higher expectations lead to an increase in performance. It often works in a group of people who are aiming for the same goal. So, while matching new music to a choral group’s current skill level is good for singing comfortably, sometimes a choral director needs to use a piece that is slightly more difficult than the ensemble can currently handle. With the proper enthusiastic presentation and encouragement, many choral groups can improve their performance and confidence through the use of this process. 

If you can't find existing compositions or arrangements that fit the group perfectly, consider commissioning a custom arrangement or composition. You simply may want a piece that really fits your unique situation and not be looking for a super dynamic piece for a competition. This allows you to tailor the music to the group's strengths and preferences. SCC can do either one for you. There are two ways that this can be done; one is much more affordable than the other. Please CONTACT US for more information. 

 The Decision-Making Process 

After a thorough evaluation, the choral director should weigh the gathered information against the choir's proficiency level and objectives. Balancing the right level of challenge with the ensemble's abilities is key to fostering growth and maintaining enthusiasm within the choir. 

1. Listen and Sing-through: Listen to recordings and, if possible, obtain a score to sing through the piece. Practical experience in singing the piece provides insights into its challenges and overall feel. Salt Cellar Creations has recordings of all of its choral pieces, though not all of them have been sung by real people. Your group could have some free publicity if it agrees to learn, sing and record the song for inclusion in the advertising and other publicity of SCC. Contact Us for more info.
2. Consultation and Rehearsal Consideration: Discuss the potential piece with fellow music educators or choral directors, seeking their opinions. Consider how the piece fits into the choir's rehearsal schedule and educational goals.
3. Flexibility and Adaptability: Maintain flexibility in the selection process. Consider modifications or adaptations that could make a challenging piece more accessible or vice versa.
4. Long-Term Planning: Align the selected piece with a long-term vision for the choir's growth. Consider how the chosen music contributes to the ensemble's musical development and performance repertoire.

 Conclusion 

Selecting suitable music for a choral group demands a balanced approach, considering the choir's abilities, objectives, and the inherent qualities of the piece. A choral director's ability to assess the group's proficiency level and effectively evaluate potential pieces is instrumental in nurturing the ensemble's growth and delivering exceptional musical performances. 

By considering vocal range, musical complexity, text relevance, teaching opportunities, and performance context, a choral director can confidently choose pieces that inspire, challenge, and showcase the choir's talents, ensuring a fulfilling musical journey for both the singers and their audience. 

Salt Cellar Creations understands the challenge in finding just the right music for your choral group, especially a piece that exudes the beauty and power that defines real art. We have a growing library of original works and arrangements for your group. Explore the offerings HERE. 

SCC can also compose an original piece for you or do a custom arrangement for you. There are two ways that this can be done; one is much more affordable than the other. And SCC is always looking for ideas of pieces to arrange or suggestions for original pieces. 

We have sold music not only in the US but in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and New Zealand. Please visit the WEBSITE or  CONTACT US to let us know what we can do for you!