While practice may not make perfect, it can help establish pleasing sounds. Schedule regular practice sessions to help your choir develop the "angelic" tones that move congregations. Keep your practices focused to ensure members don't make excuses to avoid them. For example, repeatedly starting practices late or frequently devoting large amounts of practice time to song selection can discourage prompt attendance.
Vary your practices to include guest speakers, choir directors and advanced lessons. Enlisting the services of different vocal coaches can inspire choir members to reach new heights. Activities such as practicing songs a cappella or learning different breathing exercises are also suitable selections. Ensure that each choral section feels included in your practices, to avoid ill feelings and bad notes. Divide active practice time between section rehearsal and group rehearsal to ensure that your church choir is of one accord.
Schedule regular performances for your church choir to ensure that you make the most use from your practices. This includes singing for home church services and participating in community events. Hosting musicals at your church can encourage congregation members and visitors alike to come hear your inspired singing.
Travel can give your church choir an opportunity for fellowship with other groups. It also exposes your choir to a variety of performance styles and musical genres. Incorporate this new material into your "songbook" to enhance your performances. For example, incorporating traditional gospel and alternative rock songs into your vocal offerings can help you reach more people. Consider combining with other choirs for special performances to unleash your collective energy. Alternate singing duties with "sister" churches to allow your choir more singing and traveling opportunities.
Visit places such as nursing homes and hospitals to allow choir members to spread joy through inspired singing. This commitment to service can also ensure that your church choir clings to biblical ideals, instead of seeking personal glory. Holidays such as Christmas and Easter make suitable occasions for both surprise and scheduled singing sessions. Consider creating different traveling ensembles for easy dispatch to multiple locations. Sponsor choral fund-raisers to also allow your choir to support important social causes.