How do you approach selecting repertoire for your choir, and what factors influence your decisions?
Competency
Musical Knowledge
Repertoire Selection
Collaboration
This question is important for understanding your vision for the choir and how you balance musicality, educational value, and the interests of your singers.
How to answer
- Discuss your criteria for selecting pieces, such as vocal range, difficulty level, and thematic relevance.
- Mention the importance of considering your choir's strengths and weaknesses.
- Explain how you incorporate various musical genres to keep the repertoire diverse and engaging.
- Highlight any input from choir members or community feedback in your selection process.
- Share your process for integrating new music while ensuring it aligns with your choir's overall goals.
What not to say
- Claiming you only choose pieces based on personal preference without considering the choir's needs.
- Ignoring the educational aspects of repertoire selection.
- Failing to mention any collaboration or consultation with choir members.
- Suggesting that you only focus on popular or easy pieces.
Sample answer
“When selecting repertoire for my choir, I prioritize a balance of challenge and accessibility. I evaluate the vocal ranges and skill levels of my singers, aiming to push their boundaries while ensuring they feel confident. For example, I recently incorporated a mix of traditional Japanese folk songs and contemporary choral works, which sparked enthusiasm and allowed for cultural expression. I also encourage feedback from choir members during our repertoire discussions to foster a sense of ownership and community.”
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