Student Leadership in Choir

I knew I needed to come up with something to promote student leadership in my choir program. I knew I needed more hands in the mix...

But the thought of adding one more thing to my load at the beginning of the year was almost overwhelming. The thought of creating a leadership program for our choir seemed cumbersome and heavy.

UNTIL I realized that the leadership positions could fill gaps AND promote leaders!

So, I took a look at my classes and responsibilities. I made a list of the things that always need done, but don't have to be done by me. (In one of my former jobs, in sales leadership, I was taught to hire someone else to do the "penny jobs" while I do the "dollar jobs." ) This made total sense!

So, I made a list. These are the jobs that I don't really love, but my students DO love doing! We have a group of student leadership jobs for each class, and a group of leaders for the entire department. Here's what I came up with:

(If you already know what you want to do, but just need to get the stuff made, check out my editable Student Leadership Bundle HERE.)

In Each Class:

1. Communications Captain: Guys. I hate answering the phone during class. BUT, the kids love it! So, we now have a Communications Captain and an "understudy" (should that captain be gone that day) to answer the phone and share messages during class. Hallelujah!

2. Materials Managers: We always need help passing out things and collecting things. These people get it done! Depending on the size of the class, we have between 4-10 per class. These people also keep an eye out for dwindling supplies and alert me when we need to refill.

3. Librarian: This amazing student keeps our music filed, sometimes makes copies, and organizes music that's out for distribution.

4. Advocacy Agent: These amazing students take care of any students who move in new to our choir class. They sit with them, give them a Choir Binder, walk them through its contents, and explain "how to choir". They'll sit with them for the first week or so. In addition, these agents will do some peer-on-peer mentoring as needed.

For the entire department: (these are 8th graders who have been in choir at least one year prior to 8th grade.)

1. President and Vice President: These leaders work with the Director(s) to establish and guide culture, community, concerts, and events. These students will help emcee concerts, as well as working with younger singers during dress rehearsals and concerts.

2. Social Chairs: We have 4 this year. These leaders will work with the Pres/VP and Director(s) to create and run social events, celebrations, the choir bulletin board, the trophy case, and any publicity for our department.

3. Choir Council: These students have proven to be amazing leaders; they've most likely run for President, but weren't the top 2 vote-getters. These students will assist during concerts with younger students, as well as support during social events. (We have 4 this year.)

How did I do it?

1. Each student applied to run for office. They turned in an application with their personal info and chosen-office.

2. Each student gave a Teacher Recommendation to another teacher in the building Those teachers returned this rec form directly to me. The students did not see it.

3. The students had a week to turn in posters, signs, slide decks, or short videos of 30 seconds or less. I perused these and hung up what I thought was appropriate (they all were) and showed the slide shows and videos the day before we voted.

4. Our students voted using their Chrome Books. It was super easy in a Microsoft Form.

5. We posted the results on the Monday of the next week in the hallway, on school announcements, and in each class.

Our Choir Leadership Team (Pres/VP, Social Chairs, & Choir Council) will meet next week to figure out what's next! I'm excited!

If you're ready, and would like to save some time by starting with something already ready to go, grab my Student Leadership Forms or the Student Leadership Slides OR the BUNDLE of both! All are editable so you can make it exactly what you need. It's streamlined and simple. (Which I appreciate during the beginning of the year, you know?)

Have fun building those leaders! I'd love to hear from you once you've got it rolling!