Keeping kids engaged in choir, even when you are out of the classroom!

As a dedicated choral music educator, there are times when circumstances may keep you away from your students during crucial rehearsal periods. Whether you're battling illness or attending a music educators' conference, the challenge lies in maintaining the momentum and keeping your students engaged in the choral music learning process. Today, we'll explore strategies to keep your choir members connected to the music even when you're not physically present.

Invest in Part Tracks:

Love 'em or hate 'em, these are great tools for when you are gone. I was visited by lady Rona one fateful competition season and had my students learn notes and rhythms of Eric Whitacre's 5 Hebrew Love Songs with part tracks. When I came back, I couldn't believe how effective they were, and we went on to get a first division rating. An effective way to ensure students continue practicing and refining their parts is by investing in part tracks. These audio recordings of individual vocal parts provide students with a valuable resource for honing their skills outside of regular rehearsals. With readily available technology, platforms like CyberBass or custom-made part tracks can be a game-changer, enabling students to practice independently and maintain their vocal proficiency.

Invite a Visiting Teacher:

If you are proactive and plan ahead, you can reserve the best retired teacher or community chorus director in town to come work with your kids. If possible, consider arranging for a visiting teacher to conduct rehearsals in your absence. This not only provides students with a fresh perspective but also allows them to experience different teaching styles. The visiting teacher can focus on specific areas that need attention, ensuring that the choir's progress continues uninterrupted.

Utilize Student Leaders:

Empower your students by assigning leadership roles within the choir. Designate section leaders or choir officers to take charge of rehearsals, guide warm-ups, and provide constructive feedback. This not only fosters a sense of responsibility but also promotes teamwork and camaraderie among choir members. This can be used in conjunction with part tracks!

Deep Dive Assignments:

Introduce a unique and comprehensive assignment that encourages students to delve into the intricacies of their assigned piece. Provide them with a template that includes thought-provoking questions covering aspects such as the composer, poet, time signature, rhythms, dynamics, tempo markings, and more. Don't have time to make one? Lucky for you I've got one that you can use again and again and again, even with the same students, just on different music!

Choral Artistry Investigation!

Students will receive a 41 question handout/slides assignment where they will be asked specific questions about their concert music and be forced to think about musical elements within the piece. They will learn about the context of the song and composer info as well. Check it out on TpT for more info!

One Assignment, Three Great Versions!

Our Deep Dive Assignment is available in three formats to cater to different teaching styles and preferences:

1. Printable Version:

• Ideal for traditional classrooms and for teachers who prefer physical materials.

• Easy to distribute and collect for efficient grading.

1. No-Prep Google Slides:

• A hassle-free option for educators who embrace technology in their teaching.

• Allows seamless integration into virtual classrooms with no additional preparation required.

1. Customizable Google Slides:

• Tailor the assignment to meet your specific teaching objectives and adapt it to your students' needs.

• Add or modify questions based on your curriculum requirements.

Standards-Based Curriculum:

Aligned with Core Arts standards, our Deep Dive Assignment ensures that students not only explore the details of their music but also meet educational benchmarks. This holistic approach reinforces their understanding of the material and facilitates a more profound connection to the music.

Even when circumstances keep you away from the choral rehearsal room, there are numerous strategies and tools at your disposal to keep your students engaged and motivated. By investing in part tracks, inviting visiting teachers, empowering student leaders, and implementing deep dive assignments, you can ensure that the music education journey continues seamlessly, fostering a deeper appreciation for choral music among your students.