A choir needs regular rehearsals to improve their singing, but finding the right venue can be difficult. When you are first starting out, renting rehearsal space and still being able to break even after subscriptions are paid, is often the most important thing. But as your choir grows, you may want to look for somewhere that is already set up well for a rehearsal. And then there’s the issue of acoustics. Is a tiny hall really going to show off your singers voices? So what should you look for if you are choosing a venue?
The needs of your choir
Your rehearsal space needs to be adequate for the needs of your choir. The first thing to consider is seating arrangements. Is there space for everyone to sit down? If you are running a large choir, it is worth finding a venue that has fixed seating already set up, to avoid the time and effort that it takes to lay out chairs every week. This is why many large choirs meet up in churches, where congregation pews are laid out ready. If you are going to need piano accompaniment, then think about if the venue already has a piano. If not, are you are going to have to bring an electric or stage piano, and is there adequate amplification in the hall for this? Where are you going to plug your equipment in? Is the room set up well for recording voices? The needs of your choir are important.
Beware the rundown hall
So many choirs set up in old village halls or rooms at the back of churches. Although this might be an inexpensive solution, you should beware of damp and mould problems - particularly if you have older members of the community attending choir. Vocal cord dysfunction has been directly linked to damp and water-damaged buildings. It affects the respiratory system and can also cause problems with allergies in both adults and children. Looking after the health and wellbeing of your choristers is important. When you are picking a rehearsal space, look for somewhere that is light and airy, with a fresh, clean smell.
What about acoustics?
Acoustics are important for elevating singing voices and showing your choir their true potential. However, they aren’t a necessity, and we can’t all practice in the Royal Albert Hall. Sometimes it is good to present your choir rehearsals in a variety of spaces so that they can get used to projecting their voices no matter what the circumstances. For instance, in the summer months, take your choir to the nearest park or green space and run an acapella rehearsal. Get them to practice listening to each other in the back room of a pub. Or take them to a church to experience how echoes can travel in large, airy spaces. It is a good way of bringing your choir to the community too. They can then use the vocal techniques that they have learned back in their regular rehearsal space.
When you are choosing a new venue for your choir, meeting the needs of your group is most important. The aim is to make the rehearsal process as easy as possible for everybody.
