1. Put the weakest/smallest section front and center.
Physical proximity can be a tool in supporting the unskilled singers. You can more easily gauge their frustration level. Likewise they will have better eye contact with you and you with them.
2. Pair up non-readers with readers or with students who have a good aural memory.
In a non-auditioned choir, there may not be enough music-reading students to give everyone a partner, but a bright student with excellent aural memory might be able to shore up the very weakest singers. Assure the non-readers that although it may seem challenging for the first few weeks, it will get easier and they will have a partner to help them.
3. Do not isolate strong singers in a sea of weak ones.
They may be rock solid singers, but when surrounded by students with difficulty matching pitch, they may lose their confidence and effectiveness as leaders.
4. Keep returning students near each other.
Remember that camaraderie keeps students coming back to choir.
5. Consider students
interests, backgrounds, or personalities when assigning seats.Assist students in making connections with their classmates.
6. Put problematic voices on the ends and far back.
In a non-auditioned choir, putting these voices on the ends helps to minimize the distraction for your strong singers.
7. When you are satisfied the students know the pieces reasonably well, switch to a seating chart that optimizes the choral sound.
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