Insight from high school choir students.

So one of the things I like to do is give my students a philosophical assignment, question and answer on paper.  I love doing this because a) it gives me a window to what they're thinking, and then I can use that to improve their experience and our music making b) sometimes they blow my mind with either really hilarious thoughts or incredibly insightful things that I noticed but didn't realize THEY caught it, or when I didn't catch it but they did.

Anyway, I asked them the question "Why are you here? Why do we do this?" and "What do you need to do in preparation/need others to do before the concert?"  And while these answers are very VERY paraphrased, I think you will agree there is some great insight here.

Why are we here? Why do we do this?

 To get art credit

We love to sing

Learn how to sing

I want to get better

Grow as a group

Because Bri made me

Learn new songs

Express [my]self

To sound amazing!

Learn to read music

To perform

Because it’s fun

‘cause we’re awesome

To entertain and learn

 WHAT IS THE POINT?

To do what I like to do

To get better

Have fun and get to know people

Learn new things and styles

Because life is short, have a great time.

To be individuals, but work together

To better myself in fine arts

Have fun AND learn

MUSIC IS GREAT, WHY NOT?

Learn how not to get nervous

Learn music and make friends

Bonding with people

The point is unknown (ineffable)

We do it because we love it

Be able to work as a team

What do you need to do to prepare?  What do you need from others?

Pay attention to dynamics

Practice!

Sing out and sing accurately

Not be afraid

Pay attention to balance

Take a breath and CHILL

Warm up, drink water

Put forth best effort

Work on breath control

Communicate with each other

Work together

Not worry about being silly

Listen and match

Maturity

Confidence!

Consistency from everyone

Drink tea

Be unified

Relax

Remember it’s fun

Roll speed balls