Te Kotahitanga
Manu Reo o Aotearoa

Guide to Starting a Choir

Mch Rgb Disk smallThis resource was written with young choral practitioners in mind but is applicable for anyone who wants to start a choir. It was written as part of the “Singing for Lifelong Wellbeing” project, funded through a grant from Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Heritage.

Guide to Starting a Choir
Initial questions → Planning and research → Setting up officially → Running a choir → Administrator's Toolkit → Financial matters → Funding applications → Other resources

Other useful resources

Creative NZ toolkits

Volunteer assistance

There are Volunteer organisations in many centres, where you can advertise for the help you need:

Digital Tools

NZ Navigator Trust - The digital go-to space to equip a thriving community sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Digital Stuff We Love - Discover clever, budget-friendly digital tools through Digital Stuff We Love. Most highlighted tools are free or low cost, tailored for not-for-profits.

Chorus America

The Chorus America website has plenty of helpful resources for choir administration.

Musician’s Way

Practice, performance, and wellness resources for singers at MusiciansWay.com.

Health and safety

ETNZ (Entertainment Technology New Zealand) has a specialist guide for working in theatres etc.

A Guide for Safe Working Practices in the NZ Theatre and Entertainment Industry

Marketing & Communication

Community Comms Collective – an organisation that can give you advice about the way you communicate. You can request a volunteer.

Organisational resilience

CommunityNet Aotearoa - An online hub of resources designed to strengthen organisations and communities.

Diversity

Have you considered diversity? Find some resources at Diversity Works New Zealand.

Chorus Connection

Chorus Connection is a paid choir management system, but they have a blog with a wide range of resources on their website.

Specialist choirs - things to consider & useful links

Children’s choirs
  • You will need to collect contact details of all approved caregivers, as a child might have multiple guardians.
  • You should collect information on any medical issues (specifically asthma, allergies, or other conditions that may require intervention during a rehearsal).
  • It is advisable to have at least one leadership member with an up-to-date first aid certificate.
  • You need to have a reasonable ratio of adults to children.
  • Be familiar with the Vulnerable Children Act 2014 and your obligations under it. The Ministry of Education has a useful guide.
  • You should get all staff that are in contact with the children vetted by the Ministry of Justice - details here.
  • Develop a child protection policy. Take a look at the NZCF policy for reference, or visit Safeguarding Children. 
  • MENZA (Music Education New Zealand Aotearoa) have many excellent resources.
Therapeutic choirs
Choirs for the aging