How to "Come to Rehearsal Prepared"
So, choir directors and worship leaders often say that singers should come to rehearsal having already learned and/or reviewed their music. I agree with this statement. However, I think it is important to understand that not everyone listens to, digests, and understands music the same way or at the same level. Some churches are blessed to have a full ensemble of professional and experienced singers, either by membership or by hire. However, let’s not forget that in the average church, all of the singers are not professional singers. Meaning, they may not come already recording ready, professionally trained, or able to hear everything they should hear by listening to or “studying” music.
Here is a quick fact: you can have two dynamic choir directors teach the same song and some part of it will be different. I've seen it firsthand! Amazing choir directors and worship leaders often hear the details or the presentation of the song ever so slightly differently. So to expect an amateur singer who started singing on the praise team or choir because there was a need or because they just like to sing, to hear every part or nuance exactly the way that it should be is unrealistic at best. Even some of the best singers are able to learn and absorb much easier from a teacher than from the recording of the song. And guess what? That's ok!
Listen, if that is you, and you don’t always hear everything that your director or worship leader wants you during your pre-rehearsal study time, don’t feel bad! Here are a few tips to help you help your choir director or worship leader when it comes to rehearsal pre-preparation.
1. Commit the Lyrics to Memory.
If you can’t do anything else, you can listen to the song and learn the lyrics. Getting the words to the song in you like second nature prior to rehearsal will cut down a lot of teaching time.
2. Follow the Basic Melody.
If you are unable to hear your specific part (soprano, alto, tenor), you can at least learn the basic melody of the song in most cases. This is especially doable for most "worship" songs as they tend to be simpler and more congregation-friendly. A director or worship leader can work with someone who has an idea of the song far better than someone who has no idea how the song goes.
3. When in Doubt, Ask the Leader.
Any good director or worship leader invites your questions ahead of rehearsal. Actually, they probably prefer it. If you find that you cannot make out all of the words, or that you cannot make out all of your part clearly, shoot a quick text and ask. This gives the director or worship leader an opportunity to answer your question beforehand, and shows them your initiative in being prepared before rehearsal.
4. Study Even When You Don't Have to Sing.
Practice makes perfect. But that does not mean only practicing the material that you will sing at the upcoming engagement or service. Listen to gospel music. Listen to worship music if you’re on the worship team. As you listen regularly, you will begin to recognize patterns, phrases, and approaches that are commonly used in our music. This will help you when it's time to learn music for the next service.
Directors, what tips am I missing? Singers, what questions do you have?
