🎁👐Spread Cheer: Choir Projects for the Giving Season
As music teachers we teach so much more than just notes and rhythms. Oftentimes, we are a guiding presence and a moral compass for our students. We teach motivation, leadership and compassion.
The holiday season is a great time to take these values and put them into action with a community service project. Community service projects don’t just benefit those we help—they’re also an opportunity to build character and teamwork among students.
Here is a list of meaningful community service ideas that middle and high school choirs can easily take on to spread positivity in your town!
1. Holiday Caroling at Senior Centers 🎄
Holiday caroling at local nursing homes or senior centers can bring joy to residents who may not get many visitors. Plus, it’s a wonderful way for students to connect with people from different generations and spread cheer.
2. Fundraising Concerts for Local Causes 🎶
Use your Winter Concert as a venue to collect goods or monetary donations for organizations such as animal shelters, food banks, or medical research organizations. Students can vote on a cause they care about to make the concert even more meaningful. Don’t forget to advertise about your collection so audience members are ready to donate!
3. Visits to Elementary Schools 🎤
Coordinate with the music teacher to arrange a day for your students to help out in music classes or even shadow younger students. Other fun ideas include greeting kids as they arrive at school, helping open car doors in the drop-off line, or spreading holiday cheer by caroling through the hallways. These activities not only build connections with potential future choir members but also provide older students with valuable leadership experience.
4. Caroling at local businesses, hospitals and community events
Whether it’s a holiday farmers market, parade, or community festival, volunteering at local events as representatives of your choir lets students give back in meaningful ways—whether they’re performing or helping with logistics. Plus, it is a great way for your older students to put in service hours that can be listed on their college applications!
5. Host a Benefit “Open Mic Night” or Talent Show 🎙️
An open mic night can be a great community event, with donations or “ticket” sales going to a local charity. This brings community members together and showcases student talents. It is also a great opportunity for musically talented students who are not in choir to see what it’s all about!
6. Choir Food Drive 🍲
Start a choir-led food drive to support a local food bank. Your choir can host a mini concert as a “thank-you” for donations or even perform at the food bank as an extra token of appreciation. Make it a competition between sections of the choir for an added boost of engagement.
7. Music Thank-You Project
Record a song specifically for healthcare workers, firefighters, or other essential services. Students get a chance to practice gratitude, and essential workers receive a special acknowledgment of their hard work and dedication. Write thank you letters to community and/or school leaders who have made a difference.
8. Organize a “Choir Clean-Up” Day 🌳
Arrange a day to clean up a local park or school grounds as a group. It’s great team-building and shows students the power of contributing to their community in ways beyond singing.
By encouraging your choir students to engage in community service, you’re helping them become more than just great singers; you’re empowering them to be compassionate, engaged community members. Go out and make a difference together! 🎶
Happy Singing! 🎤
