A choral work affects the entire schedule, because most choirs are amateur and can only rehearse in the evenings. The chorus director begins preparing the choir several weeks before the performance, so he needs to know a conductor's interpretation well in advance. I usually provide a vocal score with pencil marks indicating tempi, dynamics, phrasing, and where to breathe. If possible, I meet the chorus director or speak to him over the phone.

The conductor takes at least one chorus rehearsal with piano, with the chorus director present. Two or three rehearsals with chorus and orchestra follow, depending on the length and difficulty of the piece.

If a conductor understands singing, his comments at rehearsals will be practical and his gestures effective. He may need to deal with tuning, articulation, color of vowels, “placing” of the voice (head or chest), and breathing. A chorus senses a “singers' conductor” immediately.

There's a danger of fatigue in a week of rehearsals and concerts, so it's vital to guard against wearing out the singers' voices. Most amateur singers can't maintain vocal fitness like professionals, so they shouldn't sing at full volume during all rehearsals. But they should not take it easy in articulating the consonants or making the vowel sounds distinctive.