🎶 Why Every Choir Should Be Moving More (Yes, Even Yours!)
Hello!
I’ve hit that point in our concert preparation where it is time to spice things up. The kids are getting bored. 😴 They know the notes. They know the words. It’s starting to feel robotic. 🤖 Cue time for movement! 💃🕺
Movement in choir rehearsal isn’t just about adding choreography (or choral-ography 😉)—it’s about adding musical expression 🎵 and building ensemble unity 🤝. Whether you're working with hyper middle schoolers or seasoned high school vocalists, incorporating movement can transform your rehearsal process and performance quality.
✨ Why Movement Matters
1. Enhances Musicality 🎼
Movement helps singers internalize rhythm, phrasing, and dynamics. Physicalizing beats or melodic contours makes abstract musical concepts more understandable.
2. Builds Confidence and Stage Presence 🌟
Getting students comfortable with moving while singing prepares them for polished, engaging performances. It also helps break down self-conscious barriers, especially if everyone else is moving.
3. Encourages Kinesthetic Learning 🧠➡️💃
Many students learn best when they can feel the music. Movement activates different areas of the brain, helping reinforce musical memory.
4. Promotes Ensemble Unity 🤗
When everyone moves together—whether snapping in rhythm or swaying on a phrase—it fosters awareness, timing, and group cohesion. Plus, it can be really fun! 🎉
💡 Easy Ways to Add Movement to Rehearsals
👣 Body Percussion Warm-Ups
Incorporate stomps, claps, and snaps to practice rhythm patterns or warm up coordination.
👐 Conducting Along
Let students mirror the conductor's gestures or try conducting themselves to understand phrasing and tempo changes.
✋ Vocal Line Mapping
Have students trace melodic lines in the air with their hands as they sing—up for ascending phrases, swooping curves for legato, etc.
↔️ Swaying and Stepping
Encourage swaying or stepping in place on the beat to internalize tempo and groove, especially in upbeat, rhythmic pieces.
🎭 Character Walks or Emotion Moves
Explore a song’s emotion by moving around the room in a way that reflects the character or mood of the piece.
🕺 Full Choreography (when appropriate)
Simple staging or movement patterns can elevate a performance and boost confidence, especially for pops or show choir selections.
💃 Create Your Own Dance Movements
This might be my choir’s favorite thing to do. Give each section 1–2 minutes to create their own dance movements to perform in rehearsal. These are movements that we would NEVER do at a concert. These are intended to create energy ⚡ and get all students in the choir moving and engaged in rehearsal.
Adding just a few minutes of movement to your regular rehearsal routine can breathe new energy into your ensemble. 💨🎶 Plus, it makes the learning process more dynamic and memorable for your students. ❤️
