How to Choose the Right Choir for You: The Different Kinds of Choirs
Finding the right choir for you requires knowing what you are looking for
Singing in a choir can be a rewarding passion that continues to bring you joy throughout your life. Unfortunately, there are many people who are interested in joining a group who never quite do it — often because they don’t know what exactly they are looking for.
In this guide, we will go through the most common kinds of choirs available. Not every city will have all kinds, especially if they are smaller, but many will have at least one or two.
Once you know what to look for, you can begin to experience the many benefits of choir singing!
School Choirs
Many primary and secondary schools, both public and private, have choir programs. These allow young people to learn how to sing in groups and read music, and they will likely have many opportunities to perform for their fellow students, local community, and even in competitions in the region.
School choirs are the obvious place to start if you are young. The singing lessons that come with the experience also come at little to no cost, a great opportunity for people from all economic backgrounds. Plus, starting this early helps lay strong foundations for a lifetime of singing.
Joining your school choir brings with it many other benefits, too. For one, it gives you a chance to socialize with your peers. It also sets you up for academic success, with choir singers routinely scoring higher on tests than the average student. And choir programs are important training grounds for the next generation of singers — the vast majority of adult choristers started in their school choir.
University Choirs
After graduating from school, it’s off to college. And there, you will most likely find a way to sing in a choir. These come in two main varieties: the official choir program for the university itself and extracurricular group singing clubs. Both have their benefits.
Like school choirs, official university choir programs perform in a variety of contexts. Depending on the program, you can also learn a great deal about the art of singing from teachers with stellar qualifications. The only major drawback is that this participation requires giving up other classes, and for many people, their academic schedule simply won’t allow it.
Alternatively, you can usually find a club for group singing. And if there isn’t one, you could be the person to start it! In many countries clubs will receive funding through the school, which can pay for a variety of educational and fun trips or events related to choral singing.
Community Choirs
For those outside of school and university settings, community choirs are a great resource. They are everywhere, and they give people of all ages and from all walks of life a chance to sing together. It should be noted that these groups come in a wide variety. And because they are volunteer led, there are always roles you can help with beyond singing — and that can be rewarding, too.
Due to their variability, it’s not easy to say things that would apply to all community choirs. But they will generally hold some schedule of public performances. The music they choose can be from all sorts of styles, so it's best to do a little research on them before committing your time.
If you are interested in joining a community choir, look for them on social media or by doing a simple Google search. Most areas will have at least one, and they will send out calls from time to time for new singers who are interested.
Religious Choirs
Many local religious groups will have choirs, including churches, mosques, synagogues, and several others. These groups have the chance to perform frequently, sometimes at every weekly service. If you are interested in religious music, this can be a perfect way to practice choir singing.
Worshippers often find the addition of choir singing inspires a greater connection to the divine — for both singers and listeners! It also gives choristers the chance to benefit their church family and worship in a way that engages them on many levels.
If your religious group does not have a choir, you could volunteer to start the program! Your enthusiasm might be just the thing needed to start a wonderful new tradition. And what better way to align your spiritual and artistic pursuits?
Final Thoughts
Joining a choir is one of the most positive changes you can make in your life! And now that you know what to look for, hopefully you can find a good group in your area.
If you’d like to continue learning about the world of chorale music, make sure to keep up-to-date on the latest news in the field and stay informed of the choir events going on around the world.
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