Men's Schola Configuration
  • madorganist
    Posts: 906
    The current distancing requirements have forced me to space my singers much farther apart than previously. An advantage of the current (and temporary) configuration is that it makes right/left alternation more noticeable and effective. I have two new guys starting before the end of the month and am considering more rearrangement of the voices. We'll have an equal balance of four tenors and four baritones. A couple of questions:
    1. Is it preferable to place all tenors on one side and all baritones on the other, or a mixture of both on each side?
    2. Should the two cantors/precentors be on the same side, or one on each side?
    We only sing the Mass, not the Office, in case that makes any difference to how you would answer the second question.
  • NihilNominisNihilNominis
    Posts: 1,023
    For chant only, mix them. Each side taken as a whole should have a full range and sound well high and low.

    One precentor each side is usual. They meet in the middle when functioning together during choral services.

    Usually of advantage to distribute, rather than concentrate, your most skilled singers.
    Thanked by 4madorganist CHGiffen tomjaw M. Jackson Osborn
  • madorganist
    Posts: 906
    Yes, chant only. It's helpful to clarify, since not everyone seeing this will notice the category heading. Thank you!
  • M. Jackson Osborn
    Posts: 8,415
    I agree with Nihil. Mixing tenors and basses is the best solution - and, after all, this would be the case in a monastic situation. I've even known several choirmasters who arranged their entire choirs in quartets, not in the usual SATB sections. This can result in a quite different and lovely blend if one has enough choristers to carry it out.
    Thanked by 1CCooze
  • Schönbergian
    Posts: 1,063
    In unison, I would agree with mixing them. For part-singing, keep them together.
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,482
    Make sure they wear masks, that way you have your basses covered.
    Thanked by 10Liam madorganist CHGiffen WGS tomjaw mmeladirectress bhcordova Carol Drake petrus_simplex
  • madorganist
    Posts: 906
    Good one, Adam!
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