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Important tasks. Although unconventional, my very first Student-directed learning. It has proven helpful to plan a
principal coached me not to do any paperwork unless fifteen-minute sectional time into the middle of every
it is requested a second time. Every significant adminis- lengthy rehearsal. This gives me, and the singers, time
trative request has a built-in reminder. Examples range to breathe and refocus. Ninety minutes is a long time
from final grade entry to annual budget reports. This for even the most seasoned teacher to play the role of
can be especially helpful to young teachers as they learn cheerleader. Give clear objectives, provide separate re-
to identify what is truly necessary. hearsal spaces if possible, and send students on their
own for fifteen minutes. The first few attempts may not
Encourage solutions. Amateur singers of all ages can con- go smoothly, but once singers settle into routine, it can
jure up a lot of questions, especially on performance be a tool of tremendous value.
day. I have trained my singers to think of the “Big 5.”
If they raise their hand with a question, I’ll hold up my Rehearsal architecture. Review your regular process. Are
own outstretched fingers as a visual reminder for them you beginning and ending rehearsal with something
to ask themselves: successful? Is the hardest work happening in the middle
third? Reviewing the psychological needs of the singer
1st finger) Is this important? can maintain positive momentum.

2nd finger) Is this important right now? By taking moments of reflection, I hope we can all
be sustainability minded as we routinely manage our
3rd finger) Can I solve this myself? own symptoms of burnout. The first step is to identify
the various sources, followed by a three-pronged stra-
4th finger) Can anyone else in the whole world, tegic plan: 1) Practice self-care, 2) Maintain a healthy
other than the director, solve this for me? perspective, and 3) Minimize sources of frustration.
Such an approach enables longevity.
5th finger) Even if I brought up this concern, is
there anything the director could do about it?
Suggested Resources
My proudest moments have been when singers come The choral art form is one of community. All that we
up with solutions on their own. practice and preach as individuals comes from a deep
well of practices observed across this vast choral eco-
Change the classroom setup. Numerous demonstrations system. I do not claim any of the above to be original
are available regarding creative ways to rehearse. Dr. research. My observations and practices have evolved
Charlene Archibeque’s fantastic work on choral re- over decades of interactions with quality educators and
hearsal strategies is a standout example. Arrange sing- friends who regularly inspire me. In addition to dozens
ers in a circle around the room. Form small quartets. of private conversations and memorable conference
Move to another location like an orchestra pit, hallway, sessions, some of the publications that I regularly revisit
or reverberant bathroom. Each situation provides your are listed below:
singers an interesting new environment with challenges
and benefits. Barbara L. Brock and Marilyn L. Grady, Rekindling the
Flame: Principals Combating Teacher Burnout (Thousand
Time management. I teach best when I have immediate Oaks: Corwin Press, Inc., 2000).
access to an analog clock with an accurate minute and
second hand. Digital clocks require too much math Carl B. Hancock, “National Estimates of Retention,
during rehearsal. With an analog clock, I can visually Migration and Attrition: A Multiyear Comparison of
assess the amount of time left. Music and Non-Music Teachers,” Journal of Research in

CHORAL JOURNAL October 2024 Volume 65 Number 3 13