Between the Staves: Choral Questions, Candid Answers, is fresh take on the classic advice column—this time for all things choral music! Modeled after the beloved “Dear Sally” format, this blog will answer your questions about choral music education, performance, and leadership. Whether you’re curious about vocal technique, rehearsal tips, repertoire selection, or the “other” side of our profession (business, fundraising, scheduling, recruiting, communication, audio engineering, etc.!), Between the Staves will have you covered.
This Month’s Question Is:
I’ve just started teaching elementary choir and I’m wondering–What should I really be aiming for? What are realistic expectations for an elementary school choir program? It seems like so many articles and blogs focus on middle school and high school ensembles, and elementary choirs get overlooked. I’d love some guidance on what, in your opinion and experience, matters most at this level. –Anonymous
This Month’s Responses Are:
In the choral world, elementary school choirs are sometimes overlooked. As a former elementary chorus teacher and current high school choir director, I have found great value in introducing students to ensemble singing at a young age. I recognize that each teacher’s experience is unique. Some schools may have 25 students in their choir, while others may have nearly 120 (that was my experience).
When I taught 5th/6th grade chorus once a week for 45 minutes, my most important value—one I still hold today—was to create an inclusive space where all voices matter. I believe an elementary choir should never turn away children’s voices but instead welcome them into a singing community. Students should sing songs that not only teach foundational musical concepts but also encourage them to reflect deeply on lyrics, understand the world around them, and develop empathy for others.
Ultimately, I believe an elementary choir experience should be so filled with joy and belonging that students are inspired to continue singing into their older years, motivated by the joy of making music together. At the same time, I do not believe secondary choir directors should pressure their elementary feeder schools to “prepare” singers specifically for their programs.
While I have not specifically addressed detailed musical objectives here, I firmly believe that prioritizing a nurturing environment is essential to creating a safe space for meaningful musical learning and continued musical enjoyment.
Below, I share insights from three music educators who clearly articulate what they believe are the most important goals to pursue in an elementary choir.
Darlene Machacon
La Quinta High School
Westminster, CA
@thedarlingmusicteacher
The 3 main goals I have for elementary choir are:
1. Listen, listen, listen.
1. Find your confident, healthy singing voice.
3. Sing like a team.
Czarina Jiminez
Norton Science and Language Academy
San Bernardino, CA
@littleupbeatclass
Every child in my school receives music once a week for 45 minutes and has the option to participate in choir after school. My choir meets once a week for one hour and has a maximum capacity of 50 students.
Within this teaching context, I believe elementary school students who participate in choir should emerge from the experience as confident, empowered singers. By the time they leave, they should have a growing awareness of their own voice, its unique capabilities, how it functions, and how to access and produce sounds using head voice, chest voice, and a mix. They should know what songs they like to sing and which part of their voice they need to access to sing them successfully.
In addition to vocal development, students should gain experience with harmony, including the ability to sing partner songs independently. A strong foundation in solfege and tonic awareness is essential, as these tools support pitch accuracy.
By the end of their elementary choir experience, students should feel comfortable navigating a traditionally notated score. These skills such as identifying the vocal line, key signature, and time signature are reinforced not only in choir, but also in their weekly 45-minute general music classes, helping students become more independent and musically literate singers.
Eric Williamson
PS 32 Samuel Mills Sprole School
Brooklyn, NY
@mrwilliamsonmusicroom
Elementary choir is for everyone. Elementary choir is about exploration and community. It should be just as ‘fun’ as it is ‘educational.’ I think educators forget one of the most important parts about the choral experience is the community that is built in a group of singers. This isn’t just for seniors in high school that will cry when they sing their last concert together. You can build community in the earliest of choirs. I have seen many young singers burnt out of their craft because of this. A great elementary choir experience helps all students grow AND connect with an audience, with one-another, and with music at the same time.
Danny McKay
ATX Elementary Music Educator
@DannyPlansIt
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Between the Staves is an initiative of the ACDA Education and Collaboration National Standing Committee. For questions, contact John McDonald at .
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