My No-Stress First Day of Choir Formula (20 Years in the Making!)
Let’s be real- the first day of choir can feel overwhelming for both teacher and student. But after 20+ years of teaching middle and high school choir, I’m sharing my go-to formula that makes the first day run smoothly and sets the tone for a great year. 🙌
No one needs extra stress during the back-to-school season, right?! ✨
🪑 Step 1: Where Do I Sit in the Choir Room?!
Put yourself in your students’ shoes for a second. They walk into the choir room—do they know where to sit? Do they grab something? Are they supposed to wait?
💡 Pro Tip:
Before class, clearly mark seating because this helps avoid confusion right away.
I love using name tags on chairs (alphabetical by last name is easiest!)
If I’m short on time, I just jot directions on the board:
“Sopranos in the first row!”
“10th grade on the left side!”
Keep it simple. 🙌
📝 Step 2: Skip the Choir Handbook and Rules (for now)
Everyone hands out a million things on day one, so I hold off on the choir handbook until day two.
Instead, I keep it light:
Students find a name tag
"Getting to Know You" half-sheet on their chair 🎯
I ask for their name, preferred voice part, and anything else I need to know up front. (Don’t forget to collect this paper before the end of class! I use it to make up seating charts for day two.)
Easy. Low-pressure. Helpful. 💛
🎤 Step 3: Yes, You Should Sing!
Please, please sing on the first day.
Don’t worry about folders or sheet music. I choose a simple warm-up song that:
Can be sung by rote
Has an easy round or harmony part
Makes students feel successful FAST 👏
Keep it fun, low-stakes, and musical from the beginning!
🎲 Step 4: Add a Little Chaos... On Purpose
Time for a game! 🎉
Yep, it might get a little loud, but it’s worth it. Games break the ice and help students loosen up. Here are a few favorites that work great with bigger groups:
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, just keep them moving, laughing, and connecting.
📢 Step 5: Wrap It Up Like a Pro
Before the bell rings, save a minute or two for announcements:
What’s happening tomorrow?
Will there be assigned seats?
Are music folders coming soon?
When will they get the handbook?
This helps students feel ready for what’s next and YOU feel more in control. 🧘♀️
The first day of choir doesn’t have to be scary. Still feeling a little lost? Check out my Activities for the First Days of Choir!
You've got this. 🎶👏
Happy Planning! 📝Melanie
Middle School and High School Choir Teachers- Check out this FREE Singing Charades Game!
