From rehearsal procedures to reading music, new singers have a lot to learn when they join a choir. This practical and compact guide, written by experienced choral conductors Matthew Bumbach and Dean Luethi, covers all the basics, including:

• An overview of common rehearsal equipment
• How to read pitches, rhythms, and expressive markings
• How to mark the score
• Proper body alignment and breathing technique
• Good vowel production
• What to expect in rehearsals and concerts
• How to audition for choirs and solos

With simple language and bite-sized chapters, this guide is perfect for novice choristers in many settings—from middle and high school choirs to community and church ensembles. Keep this resource in your singers’ choral folders to jumpstart their understanding of key concepts and the choral process.

Matthew Bumbach is a sought-after conductor, composer, adjudicator, and clinician who has conducted throughout North America, Europe, and Africa. Matthew has published reseach in NCCO’s The Choral Scholar, Chorus America’s Research Memorandum Series, ACDA’s The Choral Journal, and several state and regional journals.

Dean Luethi is Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor at Washington State University. He has presented research, workshops, and conducted choirs throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.