After a recent conversation with several choral colleagues with whom I must have said a dozen times, “I wish my choir would. . .,” I decided to create a list of wishes for my high school ensembles—simple concepts like pure vowel sounds, unified choral blend, and warm tone quality. I placed these wishes on the whiteboard in our rehearsal room and began referring to them in every rehearsal.
Soon I realized that the singers were buying into the idea of making those wishes come true! I could ask a question about sections of the repertoire and student responses would come straight from the board and with a better understanding of what it was I was looking for in rehearsals and performances.
As a fun gift, one of the sophomores created a poster for display in the choir room. I reference it in almost every rehearsal. It has become a successful teaching tool!
What would you place on your choral rehearsal wish list? I challenge you to create your own and then ask your classes: “You know what I wish? I wish for ______!”
Try asking your ensemble to create the list’s contents and perhaps all your wishes (and theirs) will come true!
Retzko’s Wish List • Listen carefully around you • NO diphthongs • Take in more air than you need • Warm tone quality • Breath energy always • Pure vowels • Secure rhythms • Breathe to the end of a phrase and beyond • Don’t over-sing • Know how important you are to the entire choir!
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