Choir Teacher Newsletter: Setting Up the Year for Students and Families

A choir beginning-of-year newsletter has to accomplish something band and drama newsletters do not: explain an instrument that students cannot put down and leave at school. The voice goes everywhere the student goes, and families have a direct daily influence on vocal health whether they know it or not. A strong first newsletter gives families the information they need to be active partners in their student's vocal development from day one.

This guide covers what to include in a choir beginning-of-year newsletter, how to communicate voice care in practical terms, and how to handle the logistical questions families always have about performance attire, auditions, and concert schedules.

Introduce yourself and your ensembles

Start with a brief introduction: your name, the choirs you direct, your background, and your philosophy in one or two sentences. "I am Mr. Adeyemi, and I direct the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers at Westfield High School. I have been choral conducting for 12 years and spent four years conducting at the university level before transitioning to secondary education. My philosophy is simple: every student who wants to sing should sing, and every student who sings in this program should leave better at it than when they arrived."

Clarify which ensembles are auditioned and which are open

State clearly which of your choirs require an audition and what the audition involves. "Concert Choir is open to all students in grades 9 through 12 and does not require an audition. Chamber Singers is an auditioned ensemble for students who have completed at least one semester in Concert Choir or have equivalent choral experience. Chamber Singer auditions are September 16 and 17. Students will sing a prepared melody of their choice and complete a brief sight-reading exercise." This clarity prevents students from not showing up to audition because they assumed they were not good enough.

Share the full performance calendar

Give families every concert date, festival, and community performance with time, location, and required attendance status. "Fall Choral Concert: Thursday, November 14 at 7 PM, required for all choirs. Winter Showcase: Thursday, December 19 at 7 PM, required for all choirs. District Choral Festival: Saturday, January 25 at Lincoln High School, required for Chamber Singers. Spring Concert: Thursday, May 15 at 7 PM, required for all choirs." Early calendar communication prevents the conflicts that arise when families learn about a required evening performance two weeks before it happens.

Provide voice care guidelines families can act on

Voice care is a unique feature of choral education that families of instrumentalists do not have to think about. Give specific, practical instructions. "The most important thing families can do to support their choir student's vocal health is ensure they drink plenty of water throughout the day, get adequate sleep during performance weeks, and avoid screaming at sporting events or school activities during choral season. Whispering actually strains the vocal cords more than speaking quietly. If your student has a cold that affects their voice, encourage them to come to rehearsal and participate at a reduced volume rather than missing rehearsal entirely."

Describe the uniform or concert attire requirements

State the concert attire requirement specifically: formal concert gown for women (describe color and style if the program provides uniforms or if families purchase), tuxedo or formal shirt and pants for men, or all-black attire. If the program provides gowns or tuxedos and there is a rental or purchase fee, state the amount and the deadline. If families purchase their own, give a price range and suggest sources. "Women: formal gown in royal blue, knee-length or longer. The school maintains a selection of gowns in various sizes available for rental at $15 per performance season. Men: black dress pants, black dress shirt, and black dress shoes. Total estimated cost for purchase: $40 to $70 at department stores."

Explain the grading structure for choir class

Name the grading categories and what each measures. Typical choir grading includes: daily participation and preparation, singing assessments, music theory work if included, and concert attendance. If concerts are graded, state the policy clearly. If concert attendance is excused for documented conflicts with adequate notice, explain the process for excused absences and any make-up requirement.

Address the changing voice for middle school programs

If you direct a middle school choir, include a paragraph on changing voices for families who may not know what to expect. Name the two to three most common changes students experience and how you accommodate them in rehearsal. Families whose students are going through vocal change are often anxious about whether their student should still be singing. Reassurance that it is normal, temporary, and handled carefully in your rehearsal prevents students from dropping choir at exactly the time when staying in the program would benefit them most.

Close with your contact information and an invitation to reach out

End with your email, your preferred response time, and a genuine note about what you are looking forward to this year. Choir directors who build strong family relationships have higher retention rates, better concert attendance, and more community support for their programs.