Prologue
PART ONE: Preparation
1. Preparation
We get to know ourselves
We prepare musically
We focus on the work
We imagine our ideal
We evaluate
What's in a leader?
Finding our leader
Organization
Why organize?
What now?
2. A Special, Shared Time
Leadership by importance
About visibility
What's our priority?
3. The Library
Folder numbers
Copies
Stuffing folders
Collecting music
The database
The routine
4. Challenge5. Choosing Music
The choir diet
6. Ownership
Volunteering
Connecting with others
A sense of purpose
Closer to God
7. Special Events8. The Spirit of the Choir
The secret to the spirit of the choir
Mission
Aspirations
Engaging others
Spiritual growth
About these areas
9. Connecting
Special events - things to work for
Retreats
Trips and tours
Hosting a guest choir
Fundraising
Singing for area events
Other events
Writing to the choir
PART TWO: Rehearsals
10. Pacing Rehearsal
Introduction
Hardest pieces first
Vary the repertoire
Easy music first
Sectionals
11. Rehearsal Patterns
Preparing the order
Ten-to-fifteen minutes
Divide and conquer
Manage the bites
Clock rules
Varying the acitivities
12. The Rehearsal Plan
Physical
Breath
Vocal
This Sunday
Alternate first piece - the hardest
Announcements
Ending the Rehearsal
13. Managing Rehearsal
Introducing a piece of music
The only part that matters
Here's a taste
Teaching the notes
Sectionals
Two-by-two
Dictated notes
If all else fails...
Back in context
Ignoring as reward
Keeping it real
Closing a section
Mini performance
Parts to whole
An unsuccessful ending
14. Final Rehearsal
The logistical rehearsals
Seating
Final run-throughs
The punch list
The last choir rehearsals
Preparing for the orchestra
Final thoughts
15. Communicating
Why should we stop?
Continual errors
Catastrophic failure
Reinforcing
Pushing through the problems
Final thoughts on when to stop
PART THREE: Concerts
16. Just Before the Concert
The piano rehearsal
The orchestral rehearsal
Breaks
Marking the music
The orchestral rehearsal order
Keeping everyone together
Adding winds and brass
The voice versus orchestra
17. Concert Day
Starting the Day Right
Final pre-concert reminders
A sense of rhythm
18. Lasting Moments
Acknowledging applause
Before the music
After each piece
Starting a new piece
The end
19. Errors
Identifying the problem
Communicating the solution
20. After the Concert
The reception
Staying connected after
PART FOUR: The Internal Work
21. The Whole Singer
Life cycle events
Joys and concerns
Bringing in newcomers
22. Listening23. Rejection
Taking inventory
Dealing with rejection
Betrayal
Don't take it personally
24. Self-Care
Guides for self-care
Practice gratitude
Taking breaks
Prioritize
Change the perspective
Pray
Our time
Nobody's perfect
25. Reconnection
The breath
The Connection
Finding both breath and connection
Can God be in there, too?
Epilogue
Preparing for the next hurdle
About the Author
