Serving in the choir

[cassopher]

I am wanting to serve my parish by joining the choir. I am hesitant because quit frankly I’m not that good of a singer. Singing is not my talent but I love music and would still like to serve in that capacity. Do many parishes have standards as far as ability level to be able to join the choir or is it just a willingness to serve and sing the praises of our Lord? Thanks all and happy Easter.

 

[Bluebright]

You are best off asking your specific choir…which I know sounds like it’s no help. Maybe ask someone who’s in the choir?

If it helps our choir specifically doesn’t need you to have any level of singing ability or musical prowess just ‘wanting to sing’ or fancying giving it a go is good enough. In fact you don’t have to join once and for all like some sort of life time commitment , you can just go and sing along when ever you can as a the more the merrier thing. Of course committed people are great cos then they know what strengths they have, but a general sound is also good.
I am not in the choir this is just the announcements I have heard our lead make. I am however a regular volunteer in other things and I know the sincere desire to help always outweighs any real ability. We are all there to praise God and use any talent or ability to do so. I’d say approach the choir and ask if you can give it a try and see if you like it and it suits you and you suit it. I am sure they will try you out and let you try out. Enjoy. Happy Easter

 

[Seagull]

An extra voice - is always welcomed !
You will - become a better singer - with time -
and come to love the songs - the melodies -
It’s quite an honor !

Go for it

 

[casslean]

Best thing to do is ask! Many people are poor judges of their own talent - maybe you’re a diamond in the rough that a skilled choir director could polish into a real gem!

 

[BarreandBark]

Everyone’s free to join, usually. Go for it!!!

 

[porthos11]

I am wanting to serve my parish by joining the choir. I am hesitant because quit frankly I’m not that good of a singer. Singing is not my talent but I love music and would still like to serve in that capacity. Do many parishes have standards as far as ability level to be able to join the choir or is it just a willingness to serve and sing the praises of our Lord? Thanks all and happy Easter.

How offkey or tonedeaf are you? Can you carry a tune? Can you blend with other singers?

 

[cassopher]

How offkey or tonedeaf are you? Can you carry a tune? Can you blend with other singers

My best singing is done in the shower where everyone sounds their best. I’m sure I could blend with other singers. Pretty sure I am very off key though LOL

 

[porthos11]

porthos11:

How offkey or tonedeaf are you? Can you carry a tune? Can you blend with other singers

My best singing is done in the shower where everyone sounds their best. I’m sure I could blend with other singers. Pretty sure I am very off key though LOL

Then I will tell you what others here won’t. If you are offkey or cannot carry a tune then do not serve in the choir. I am sorry to say it.

If you need a objective assessment have the choir director audition you.

 

[midori]

Are you able to match someone else’s notes?

For example, I always sang alto. But it was very hard to sing the alto harmony when the sopranos’ melody line was so dominant. I needed to have some strong altos next to me, who could maintain the alto part, and keep me on track. I would know the alto part in my head— but I would never have been successful singing the alto part solo.

Unless you’re super-experienced with music, it’s a pretty bad idea to try to “blend”. That sort of implies an attempt at harmonizing. Rather, you want to “match” everyone who’s supposed to be singing your part.

 

[casslean]

Then I will tell you what others here won’t. If you are offkey or cannot carry a tune then do not serve in the choir. I am sorry to say it.

I’m an alto. The tenor behind me doesn’t fish for notes as much as just drop a bucket and belt out whatever he hauls up. He still sings with us and the choir director works with him as much as any of us. He has shown considerable improvement as well, and if I miss a harmony because he’s singing in the key of M#, so be it.

Not every choir is about perfect singers all the time. Speak to the director.