📣Start a Tenor Bass Choir for Recruiting 🎤

When I first took over the choir program at my school, I noticed immediately that the tenors and basses needed their own ensemble. I had an after-school Madrigal Choir (SATB) and a soprano/alto group, but the tenors and basses were being left behind.

So, I spoke to my admin and started a lunch choir. At first, I called it “Men’s Ensemble”, but to make it more inclusive to all, we ultimately changed it to “Bomber Basses”. (Our school mascot is the WWII Bomber Plane.) 🤷

At first, I had a handful of students interested. It wasn’t until we gave our first performance that things really “took off”. (Bomber plane PUN intended.)  🤣 I soon implemented an audition process and the ensemble has grown to over 20 students each year.

Now, 20 years later, this tenor and bass choir is a highlight of every concert and a sought after ensemble to join. 👐

⭐Why Start a Tenor/Bass Choir?

1. Let’s be real with each other. There is a stigma associated with choir. Starting a choir of guys who are just having a great time can really positively influence your younger students.

2. Tenors and basses sometimes have an easier time of “letting loose” on stage. My ensemble really likes to “entertain” the audience. It’s fun for them and fun to watch! 

3. It is a secret mentoring goldmine! My ensemble contains students in 9-12 grade. So, not only are they learning to sing together, but my older students are modeling correct behaviors and rehearsal etiquette for the younger newbies.

4. It helps with developing voices. I have two high school choirs that meet during the day: a beginning HS SATB choir and an advanced SATB choir. My tenor/bass choir gives a chance for the developing tenor and basses to sing and hear the older voices.

📋How Do You Start a TB Choir?

1. I would always suggest talking with the administration first. Decide, is this a volunteer choir or are you wanting to be paid a stipend? My choir started as something fun to put together at lunchtime and developed into a paid stipend, at the urging of my principal.

2. Decide if this choir will be for students currently in choir or open to any student interested in singing tenor and bass.

3. Have a fun interest meeting where you sing something simple together and be sure to provide food like cookies or pizza.

4. Did I mention food is very important in starting a tenor/bass choir?

5. When will you meet? At my school, I found that meeting at lunchtime was ideal. Maybe you poll the interested students and decide a time/day that works for the majority? Maybe you pick a time/day that works best for you?

🎶Important Things to “Note” 

1. Start with a fun, easy-to-learn song like “We’re the Men” (TB) or “A Pirate Song” (easy TTBB).

2. Decide if you want to make this a casual ensemble for fun or plan a performance.

3. I would suggest providing snacks for awhile or asking parents to contribute. Snacks make everyone happy!

4. As you are developing this ensemble, consider getting input from the students involved in regards to concert attire, performance options and songs.

💛Tenor/Bass Songs My Students LOVE

I’m lucky because my tenors and basses love to be silly on stage. They are very into pirate songs and love to add crazy props. The songs below offer fun and easy to learn melodies. They are some of my best go-to pieces for a tenor/bass ensemble. 

(Please note: I am NOT an affiliate with JW Pepper, but have offered the links below so you can easily see and hear the music.)

A Pirate Song (TTBB)
Duke of Earl (TBB)
Heave Away, Me Jollies (TB)
I Wish I Was Single Again (TBB)
Loch Lomond (TTBB)
Noble Duke of York (TB or TTB)
Sh’Boom (TTBB)
Sixteen Tons (TBB)
The Longest Time (TTBB)
We’re The Men (TB)
Yuletide Sea Shanty (TTB or TBB)

Starting another choir may seem like a lot of work, but the results could be amazing for your program! Plus, everyone loves a little fun in their day, right?!?

Happy Recruiting! 🫶 Melanie