For many schools, putting on a show is one of the highlights of the year. The students who take part will likely remember the experience for the rest of their lives. But whether that memory is one of total triumph, or of a struggle against adversity, will depend on the choices and strategies followed by the music director. Good decision-making can ensure that young singers maintain a healthy and convincing voice right through a run of performances.
Your first decision will inevitably be the choice of show: this should reflect the singers you have, both in terms of roles and overall suitability. But, when casting, be thoughtful. Janet Shell, a former head of music turned professional singer and singing teacher, advises against going automatically for whoever has the strongest voice. ‘People grow into roles in surprising ways. Check instead that the person has the range needed without pushing, even if their voice sounds a bit delicate.’
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