(This blog post originally appeared in my blog about choir and singing.)
I’ve sung in a lot of different choirs – from school, university, community, and even semi-professional. What I’ve noticed is that there are 6 types of people who I consistently meet.
The Keener!
Most people who sing in choirs are keeners. The Keener shows up early, helps set up chairs and wants to help the rehearsal go well (guilty as charged). The keener asks questions to clarify instructions and wants to sing the music as accurately as possible. Sometimes the keener forgets to have fun, but that’s just because she cares about making good music. I’ve always been a choir keener (hence the title of this blog) because I love making music with others. But I’ve also met (and acted like all of these other types of choir people…)
2. The Martyr
The martyr comes to choir practice out of a sense of obligation because he or she believes deep down that the choir will fall apart without them. (Also – guilty as charged – I’m working on it 🙂 ). The martyr sits up extra straight in her chair, keeps her eyes glued to the conductor, and sings as if the world depends on it. It’s no fun to be a choir martyr and even less fun for the people around him or her. Choir martyrs need pats on the back (and therapy) but if you can, sit far away from them. They will roll their eyes or glare at you the moment you start having any fun.
3. The Church Lady
The Church Lady (or gentleman) has sung in choir since she was old enough to talk and now 60 years later is just as committed because she truly loves being there. (I hope I grow up to be the Church Lady!) She knows every single piece and even if her voice might warble a bit, she will sing out confidently at every rehearsal because she has no effs left to give. She knows her shit but also knows how to have fun. Make friends with the church lady; she’ll pick you up and drive you home from rehearsal if you don’t have a car and bring cookies for the bake sale. A total gem.
4. The Big Shot
The Big Shot is usually too good of a singer to be there, but needs the choir to feel good about themselves. They know they can sing so they go to choir to feel good about their lives. Sometimes the big shot is a paid singer, brought in to bolster the sound of a certain section of a church choir. The Big Shot has a big loud voice and knows their stuff. If you’re not a very confident singer, it can be good to sit close to the big shot while you’re learning your music because they can sight read anything with their eyes closed. But beware, once it gets close to concert time they will loudly and publicly point out mistakes (and they’re usually right) so make sure you’re prepared for that.
5. The Newbie
The Newbie is just starting out and lacks a lot of confidence. This may be the first choir they have taken part in. The Newbie doesn’t know a lot of the choir etiquette (like no talking during rehearsal) and is still learning how to blend and follow the markings in the score. The newbie will usually “graduate” to a keener as long as they don’t get too discouraged by the Big Shot or The Martyr. If you notice a newbie, take them under your wing and give them lots of encouragement.
6. The Social Butterfly
I must admit I have trouble dealing with the Social Butterfly. He or she comes to choir because all their friends are there. Even though they know better, they will talk constantly through the rehearsal because it’s a social event for them. Other people will shush them and even the choir director will get a bit cross but they just keep talking and missing important instructions. They will always be asking questions to the people around them: “What page are we on?” “What section is this?” because they never pay attention and have to ask others. The Social Butterfly is usually a lot of fun to hang out with but a total distraction in rehearsal. Do you have any techniques for dealing with these people? Leave a comment below!