The 2020 Olympics. The 74th Annual Tony Awards. The Cannes Film Festival. These major events have all been postponed due to the global outbreak of COVID-19 and the need for social distancing. However, your choir rehearsal does not need to be a part of that list. Thanks to online meeting platforms, you can still hold a productive rehearsal, even when in-person gatherings are impossible. Technology is an increasingly important resource for modern choirs, so with the proper preparation, you can learn how to bring your choir to the future and run a smooth, productive rehearsal.
Choose An Appropriate Online Meeting Space
There are a number of online meeting services, so be sure to choose one that fits your needs. Consider the size of your choir, as certain services, like Google Hangouts, only host a small number of people. Also consider affordability, as only a number of services are available for free. Zoom is a great service for larger groups, but the free version limits your meetings to 40 minutes long. Either of these services are likely the best option for your choir, given their accessibility and ease of use.
While convenient, video conferencing does pose some cybersecurity risk, as it is potentially vulnerable to snooping and hackers. Certain services offer stronger SSL encryption on their websites, so make sure to research these important details before choosing a platform. When setting up your online meeting, it is always important to use basic online security precautions in order to protect yourself and the identity of your choir members. Use a private meeting link rather than a public “live” function on Facebook or Instagram, and encourage your group to choose strong passwords.
Make Preparations Well in Advance
Online meetings run smoothest with proper preparation. Determine if there are any additional documents you will need for your rehearsal, such as sheet music. Source or scan online copies of the sheet music, and make sure all choir members are able to access it several days before the rehearsal. Ask choir members to test out their camera and video function and reach out to you with any concerns at least 24 hours in advance.
Navigate Technical Difficulties
Meeting online rather than in person can be more convenient and intimate for your choir members. However, certain technical difficulties may arise, especially when working with music. Ask members to use external microphones and headphones, if they have them. This will improve sound quality. Have everyone work in a small room with as little background noise as possible. Make sure your members mute their microphones when they are not speaking to avoid extra noise during your rehearsal.
Lead With Confidence
As the music director or choir leader, it is your responsibility to make sure that everyone is engaged during the rehearsal. It can be easier to fall into distraction when participating in an online meeting. Call upon choir members to participate by name. You are also responsible for moderating communication during the meeting. Have members hold up their hands when they would like to speak to avoid people talking on top of one another. In case of lagging issues, be prepared to work on learning new materials, solos, or small group singing that will require fewer people to sing at the same time.
While social distancing may pose certain challenges for choirs, it is possible to have productive and rewarding rehearsals online. With the proper preparation and leadership skills, you can make sure your virtual rehearsal is as smooth as possible.
