I found this interesting discussion on Choralnet.org about if directors should sing with their choirs or not. (See link below to view full discussion.) Personally, I think there is a time and place for everything and even through it should not be done all the time, in some cases singing with a choir can be beneficial. For example, when a section is unfamiliar or struggling with their part, having the conductor sing along with and model for them can help them learn it.
What do you think?
http://choralnet.org/456028
I would disagree! If the conductor is singing along with the choir, then the conductor is not actively listening. Not only this, but the choir may grow dependent on this and never be able to cope without it. There's a reason Kelly Walsh and Doug Dunsmore seldom sing along with their choirs.
ReplyDeleteThe conductor should be able to sing all parts this is true, but this is for the purpose of modelling - not singing along. If you notice an issue that needs attention while rehearsing a piece: stop the choir, zoom in on the issue, model it, have them try it again and fix it. There is a time and a place for everything, this is true - but I can't see much value in having a conductor sing along with the choir as a frequent occurrence.