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Single Baritone Schedule DilemmaDate: August 24, 2010 by Brian Butler
Hello all,
This is my 2nd year directing Middle School Chorus (6-8). I have 2 choirs, a mostly 7-8 mixed chorus and a mostly 6-7 mixed chorus. My groups are separated based on ability and changed vs unchanged voices. I also lead an after schooI mixed chorus one day per week for those band and orchestra members who like to sing, but who can't be in chorus during the school day because of scheduling. I was approached today by my only true baritone in the 7/8 chorus asking if it would be okay for him to leave the daytime chorus and participate in chorus via the after school group. He sighted interests in other classes that he is unable to take while being in chorus.
I am very torn about what to do. He is a good, hard-working, student, and I feel that he would attend after school rehearsals on a regular basis. Also, I want to be seen as a supportive teacher. BUT... as I said earlier, he is the one true baritone that I have, and I know that he voice will only get stronger if it is used every other day. Also, as he has almost completed the voice change, I'm hoping that as the year progresses and other students change, that he could be somewhat of an anchor to the baritone section. Any advice given would be appreciated. Thank you all, and have wonderful, musical, school years (and liturgical years).
~Brian
Brian P. Butler
Robert Goddard French Immersion, Lanham, MD
Gayle Rubinstein on August 25, 2010 5:27am
Personally, I think that you need to do what is best for this student or you may lose him altogether.
on August 25, 2010 6:14am
Hello Brian,
Well, it seems to me that if he wants to stop daytime chorus, he has already shown his preference. He could be basing his choice on his interests and maybe he finds singing less appealing than the other classes. On the other hand, he may not be aware of how his voice will be stronger if he sings every other day, in comparison to only once a week. So if he was made aware of the consequences, maybe he would make a different decision.
Therefore, I would sit down with him and make sure he knows his voice will be affected by singing less often. In this way, you can feel content because you helped him make a better informed decision.
Ultimately, I think the choice is his, because forcing him to stay in the day choir could be counterproductive. If he doesn't want to be there, he might never be that anchor you wish him to be. In fact, he could even become resentful instead and become a negative force in the choir.
I think it's best to find what he wants and encourage him to do what he thinks is best for his life, even though that means you have to readjust to a new situation.
Also, a good approach is trusting that even if he does leave the day choir, that your choir will still function quite well, and that the void he leaves will be filled with something new that can be just as good, or even better. And maybe his presence in the evening choir will bring on unforeseen positive consequences that outweigh the negatives of him leaving the day choir! One never knows... :)
Good luck!
Lorraine
on August 25, 2010 9:14am
Hi Brain,
I would agree with both these ladies and give some further thoughts. It would cause all sorts of hard feelings if you did not agree to let your singer join the after school group and even possibly make him peeved enough to drop out of your program completely. Tell him you give your permission to join the after school group but make sure he knows singing more often during the voice change process will make it stronger--he may not have thought of that--that fact may make a difference.
We all have to occassionaly let a singer do what they want---only to discover for themselves--they want US and not the other. And those singers are the ones that end up being the most loyal!
It's tough when you only have one on a part--I conduct a chamber choir (of adults), so I know what you are going through, big time!
Marie
on August 25, 2010 6:07pm
Thank you all for your responses. I had the conversation with him; telling him of my reasons for needing to sleep on it - balancing wanting to support his other endeavors with his vocal development. I also told him that ultimately it was his decision and that I would support him no matter what he decided. I know that he is dropping chorus, and I believe him when he says that he will be there for after school rehearsals. At the end of the day, it's all a matter of faith and trust. Thanks again. I wish marvelous music making to you all.
~Brian
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