This is a document I started called Choir Loft Norms. It is basically a "hodgepodge" of requirements and observations. I started writing it because the choir loft at my parish of St. Mary's in Akron, Ohio has become and extension of the pews. There are a couple of revisions and a lot of repeat of the same things, just a different way of saying them.

In summary: The choir loft is a sacred space set aside for choir members, organist, and musicians who are activley participating. It should never be an extension of the pews or a place for vistors. It is not a place for boy friends and girl friends unless they are actively participating as choir members. Feel free to use what ever you think might work for your parish.

Feedback/suggestions are welcomed on my redacted working Draft: (The choir did not sing choral arrangements in the past - it was a hymn singing group. I'm reforming a low-expectations/high entitlement/insular culture. For example, when I took over, there was a nasty campaign by the old Director, a talented amateur w/ 2 yrs piano lessons, & her friends because I didn't make copies of all the hymns for their choir binders, hence the section on Choir Folders here, and the section on Communications.) This is for the Full Choir. I recently formed a Chamber Choir carve-out as the core of the music ministry, as part of my plan to reform a somewhat toxic, low-expectation situation.

Choir Name, Church Info, Contact Info:

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.”
Psalm 100:1–2

These guidelines provide a framework to help us grow together musically, as we offer prayerfully and skillfully prepared music written for larger ensembles, to support the liturgy, appropriate for the liturgical seasons.

Rehearsal Schedule - Wednesday evenings in Parish Hall from 6:00 – 7:00 pm.
Please arrive by 5:55 pm so we can begin promptly at 6:00. Regular attendance is essential for building a strong, unified ensemble. There will be a short mid-rehearsal break.

Rehearsal Expectations We use rehearsal time efficiently to prepare high-quality music. Please bring a pencil to every rehearsal. Questions that help everyone learn are welcome. However, please save extended conversations for the break or after rehearsal so we can stay focused on musical preparation.

Code of Conduct All choir members are required to follow the Diocese of XXXXX Code of Pastoral Conduct for standards of Christian love, respect, integrity, accountability, and teamwork. Applicable to Clergy, Staff, and Volunteers, a copy can be found here: Link XXXXXXXXX

Choir Folders are reserved for choral arrangements. Hymns are found in the missalette and sung by the entire assembly. Please refer to Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship (USCCB, 2007) “the congregation commonly sings unison melodies, which are more suitable for generally unrehearsed community singing” (¶28) while the choir is able to “enrich the celebration by adding musical elements beyond the capabilities of the congregation alone” (¶32).

Performance/Mass Please arrive early for scheduled warm-ups, and to be fully prepared. Hymns of the day may be found on the Hymn Board.

A Note From The Director/Communication & Problem Solving If you have a question or concern, please contact me directly to arrange a time to speak outside of rehearsal. This allows us to give the matter proper attention while keeping rehearsal time focused on musical preparation.

Bit of a complicated program, I wouldn’t make it this long under ordinary circumstances. Nevertheless, they have served me very well.

Questions that help everyone learn are welcome

This sounds patronizing and very passive aggressive. Clarity is charity. Try using clear direct language.

Questions that help everyone learn are welcome

This sounds patronizing and very passive aggressive. Clarity is charity. Try using clear direct language.

We've all known people who make statements posed as questions, questions about matters not ripe for rehearsal yet, questions more about self-glorification than the larger mission. Some of us have even BEEN those people. One wants people to bring up their legitimate concerns, but to also have some self-reflection. The statement seems to me to invite the listener to consider that maybe not all questions are useful, without being so heavy-handed as to scare off people from asking.

@NihilNominis Thank you!