Preparing Like a Pro; What Choirs Teach Us About Showing Up Well

One of the biggest lessons I’ve picked up from singing in choirs—whether at NDSU with Concert Choir, the Madrigal Singers or in the community with Fargo Moorhead Choral Artists—is that “professional preparation” begins long before the performance. It starts quietly at home, with a pencil in hand, marking tricky rhythms, checking intervals, and getting comfortable enough with the music that rehearsal can be about shaping phrases instead of scrambling for notes. When everyone does that individual work, the whole group feels more confident and ready to make music together.

Good preparation also has a mental side. There’s something powerful about walking into rehearsal fully present—voice warmed up, score ready, distractions set aside. Choirs run on shared focus. I can feel this when I step inside the choir rehearsal room, giving all attention to our conductor, Dr. Jilek. We all can feel the difference when everyone’s is turned in and moving toward the same goal.

Respecting the flow of rehearsal is another piece of it. That means watching the conductor, responding to feedback the first time it’s given, listening carefully when other sections rehearse, and staying engaged even when it’s not your entrance. These little habits create a sense of unity long before the blend is perfect.

And, maybe most importantly, choir preparation teaches flexibility. Sometimes you adjust a vowel for blend, rethink the emotion behind a line, or shift your sound to support the choirs, especially dissonant chords. These small changes remind me that an ensemble grows strongest when everyone is willing to adapt.

Professional preparation isn’t about being flawless. It’s about showing up ready, attentive, and willing to contribute. When a choir prepares this way, the performance feels natural—not because it took less effort, but because the effort was shared. This type of preparation has increased my joy and growth in my choir experiences, as well as conditioned me to experiences in more professional choirs in my future.