You have become a church choir member because you want to offer prayer and praise to God through your musical talent. For choir directors, it is important to keep God at the center of the work in this ministry. Because choir membership or leadership requires a time commitment, you will find yourself frequently praying for assistance and support. Try to make time to pray--even if it's only for a few minutes--as your choir practices music for an upcoming service or Mass.
Establish a regular time, day of the week and place for practice. Make sure there is a piano available for your accompanist so she can play and help keep singers in tune while learning new pieces. If you have other musicians such as a flutist, violinist, guitarist, drummer or other instrumentalists, make sure they understand how the music is to be played.
When you choose new music, introduce it to your singers and instrumentalists early enough so everyone can learn it and become comfortable with it. Uncertainty shows on Sunday morning. The congregation will pick up on hesitation, ragged starts and vocals that are not strong.
Express your high expectations and certainty that your choir can learn difficult music and perform it well. When you select music, keep in mind choir members who are still learning, especially those who are in high school or were never exposed to musical training before they decided to join your choir. When you introduce new music, concentrate on explaining key and time signatures, pointing out rests, flats and sharps for the musical notes.
Find out if your choir will provide music for special occasions such as Midnight Mass or at baptisms. Choose the music for these celebrations and devote extra practice time to that music.