The holiday parties seem like a bonus. They’re not.
Ensemble directors’ primary job is creating community. Their primary job.
Without community, the music will never been transcendent.
Without community, the ensemble will inevitably succumb to infighting.
Without community, individual motivation will be lackluster.
If you focus on community first, and then create excellence in rehearsal, the results can be extraordinary.
So don’t think of your choir holiday party as a bonus or afterthought. It’s a example of the community you’re prioritizing in your choir.