⚡Building Back-to-School Routines in the Choir Classroom
No matter how many years I’ve taught, I still feel that same mix of excitement and nerves as the first day of choir approaches. While I can’t wait to hear my students sing again, I know the first weeks of school can feel like complete chaos if I don’t establish simple routines.
Over my 20+ years of teaching, I’ve found that the start of the year sets the tone for everything that follows. If I skip the routine-building process, I spend the rest of the year playing catch-up. But when I’m intentional from day one, rehearsals flow smoothly, students know what to expect, and choir becomes the place they want to be and where they feel safe.
Here are 8 tips for finding success in choir classroom routines.
1. Set the Tone on Day One
Even older students are a little nervous on the first day. Be clear on where they should sit when they walk into the room. I like to have nametags on the chairs in alphabetical order on the first day. Then, I can greet them at the door and say, “Sit in the chair with your nametag!”
Start with music-making right away. Sing something simple, fun, and accessible so students associate choir with joy, not just boring rules. (I have a great list in my Activities for the First Days of Choir.)
Share a short activity that creates community (I like Would You Rather: Choir Edition or Fast Talker: Back to School Edition).
2. Establish Choir Rehearsal Procedures
Entry routines: Where do students go when they enter each day? Do they grab folders, pencils, and find their seat?
Warm-up routines: Create a predictable sequence (stretch, breathing, vocal warm-up, sight singing) that students come to expect. Always post a daily agenda.
Ending routines: How do you close rehearsal so students leave on a high note? (Quick reflection, silly game, put folders away).
3. Teach “Choir Skills” Beyond Singing
Folder care and organization: teach them how and what to mark in their music.
Rehearsal etiquette: listening when not singing, pencil use, posture, watching the conductor.
4. Build Community Early
Icebreakers with a music twist (Sing or Dare, Pitch or Ditch).
Team-building activities that get students laughing and working together. I love using Choir Wars- a year long program of games and team building activities.
Section bonding time: Assign older students to mentor younger ones. My older high school choir students “adopt” the younger high school students. We call them “choir parents” and they send short notes to each other, give small treats on special occasions and take a picture together to put on a bulletin board in our choir room. We’ve even had a “choir parent/child” lunch during school.
Don’t forget to elect student leadership in each choir. These students can be wonderful helpers to subs in your absence. (Choir Officers- job descriptions, applications and voting form)
5.Streamline Classroom Management
Utilize seating charts immediately to promote order.
Have clear expectations regarding phones/computers/etc.
Have procedures in place for bathroom/locker passes, etc.
Use attention grabbing cues like clap patterns, hand signals or countdowns.
6. Make Choir Feel Special
Teach a choir tradition (school song, celebration of birthdays, have music-related Friday fun).
Start building a culture of pride like choir t-shirts, bulletin boards and highlight student achievements. Goal: We want students to want to come back every day.
7. Plan for Sub Days Early
Teach your choir leaders how to start class in your absence. Not only does this help when you have a sub, but also on days when you get caught talking to a student/colleague and cannot start class right at the bell.
Build a “sub tub” or digital folder with no-tech activities (musical games, worksheets, reflection prompts) so your choir routine doesn’t collapse when you’re gone. I have a TON of non-music sub related substitute plans so I never have to worry about last minute absences. (Ultimate Choir Sub Plan Bundle- 18+ days of Sub Plans!)
8. Reflect and Adjust
Be honest that not all routines stick. Encourage teachers to reflect after a couple of weeks: what’s working, what’s not, what needs reinforcement.
Routines don’t sound glamorous, but they are the secret ingredient to a successful year. When students know the expectations, they feel safe, confident, and ready to create music together.
So as you step into your choir room this fall, remember that routines are the foundation of classroom management. With those in place, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your students grow, not just as musicians, but as a community. ❤️
Happy Singing! 🎤 Melanie
