In her wonderful, vital new book The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker writes, “Great hosts…understand that how you end things, like how you begin them, shapes people’s experience, sense of meaning, and memory.”
Choir directors get to practice endings really often – and are generally pretty good at the big ones. We know how to end concerts on a (literal) high note, we know how to end a concert season with an emotionally connective piece – often a traditional piece that involves returning alumni.
I don’t think that choir directors are as good at ending day-to-day rehearsals. (This is true for every profession – we’re less mindful of ending strong in our regular gatherings than in our high-impact ones.)
I have observed, participated, and led all too many choral rehearsals that end with five minutes of business and logistics. This is important information, but not important for the end. It obscures the real work of the rehearsal, and sends your singers into the world thinking about calendars and fundraisers rather than art and human connection.
Parker suggests making logistics the second-to-last thing you do – follow it with one final bit of music making (perhaps on a particularly well-loved piece, or just a final revisit of the piece you worked hardest on today.). I personally find that business works well either before or after a mid-rehearsal break.
How choir directors end their rehearsals can profoundly impact the way their singers think about that rehearsal; all the more reason to put extra effort into making every ending strong.