There are few things that have as powerful an impact on our ensembles as the standing formations of the singers. This will directly impact the speed at which the ensemble learns new repertoire and polishes the same. Standing formation impacts balance, the prominence of individual voices, the ‘blend’ of the ensemble and even the level of satisfaction experienced by the individual singers.
Principle: Have the ensemble sing in as mixed a formation as the experience of the group will allow.
Applications: Perhaps there is an advanced high school choir that, because of an imbalance in the number of qualified men and women singers, has 2-3 men in each section that are significantly less experienced readers than the rest of the singers in the group. Have the group stand in quartets with the exception of these men who are placed immediately in front of or next to a strong reader singing their own part. Explore and Experiment!
To view suggested standing formations with their strengths and weaknesses please visit: http://blog.frankeychaner.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/081227-Standing-Formations-Chart.pdf
