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On the Voice





        Rehearsing Repertoire                               Foster Group Cohesion, Camaraderie, and Fun
           You can utilize the  previously mentioned  ideas  in   Cohesion  and camaraderie  in  group classes  begin
        repertoire by rehearsing an interval, series of pitches,   with  effective  leadership.  From  the  beginning,  mem-
        one phrase, or a section on a loop. Alternate between   bers of the ensemble need to know that the director
        individuals and the  group with quick,  simple, and   has the best interest of the individual and the group
        scaled  directives and  feedback. You  can also  include   in mind throughout  every step of the  process. Make
        short cuts (8–10 measures) of transposable repertoire   sure to spend a little time in each rehearsal on a group
        from a variety of genres as a way to explore specific   cohesion activity so that singers can connect with one
        concepts (e.g., Rihanna’s “Umbrella” for onsets or the   another (e.g., sharing their singing goals, something ex-
        Cranberries’ “Zombie” for registration). You can vary   citing they did last weekend, or their earliest memory
        your approach depending on the unique vocal and mu-  of singing). Incorporate games, breakout moments, and
        sical goals, the level of the singers, and the stage of the   small-group assignments  that promote bonding  and
        rehearsal process.                                  collaboration, such as designing a voice exercise togeth-
                                                            er, sharing a list of their favorite singers, or encourag-
                                                            ing them to eat lunch together. Create a positive and
                                                            energetic  atmosphere by  playing  their  favorite  songs
                                                            during the beginning of rehearsals, physical warmups,
                                                            breaks, and any other group cohesion activities. Model
                                                            supportive reactions when individuals sing and applaud
                                                            bravery when they take risks. Demonstrate how to give
                                                            feedback appropriately. Urge students to clap when
                                                            they notice significant improvements and high five af-
                                                            ter completing focused sections of work. Once students
                                                            become more comfortable  in the  group, they  will be
                                                            more willing to sing in front of each other and engage
                                                            in shared learning experiences.

                                                            Utilize Practice Teams and Small Groups in the Ensemble
                                                              Set up a row of “VIP seats” in front of the group.
                                                            Ask for one volunteer or assign an individual from each
                                                            voice section to move to a VIP seat for part of the class
                                                            or the entire rehearsal. You might even include fun sun-
                                                            glasses, hats, boas, or costume pieces they can wear!
                                                            Having these singers directly in front of you allows you
                                                            to hear and assess them more closely. You can assign
                                                            different singers to these seats at various times in order
                                                            to give everyone a chance. Alternate  instruction and
                                                            repetitions between individuals in the small group of
                                                            VIP seats and the group as a whole.
                                                              You can also assign small groups of practice teams
                                                            with 3–4 singers from one voice section or one singer
                                                            from each voice section. Encourage them to create a
                                                            team name, break off for activities during class, practice
                                                            together, and check in with each other during the week.
                                                            Since group cohesion tends to be stronger in smaller



        40      CHORAL JOURNAL  August 2025                                                    Volume 66  Number 1
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