The repertoire chosen for each choir varies depending on the musical goals and preferences, health-related goals, and the expertise of choir leaders. In some of the choirs, choir members are actively involved in choosing the repertoire by suggesting songs; in others, the choice is made entirely by the choir leader.
Consideration is made of the musical suitability of songs, such as the vocal range. One choir leader specified that songs must remain within the range of an octave and a half. Since many of the choirs comprise mainly older adults, vocal range is often quite limited so choosing songs with an appropriate range as well as choosing comfortable keys is important. Having access either to an accompanist who can easily transpose songs into a comfortable range or an electronic keyboard or music software is useful to provide flexibility to support the singing.
Consideration is also needed of the ease or difficulty of the songs, such as whether the repertoire is already known by participants or the type of intervals that might make the singing more challenging. Some choirs sing only in unison; others include simple harmonies. Many choirs sing rounds or medleys to easily create satisfying harmonies.
For choirs with a focus on breathing, songs are often chosen to emphasise breath control – long musical phrases where the lyrics encourage singers to continue through the phrase with increasing awareness of breath control. For aphasia choirs, song choices may be used to address speech exercises.
Choirs designed for seniors will often draw on well-known popular music participants’ youth and as young adults. Choir leaders should, however, be mindful of not making assumptions about the type of music familiar to all participants. This is particularly important in choirs that are designed for participants living with dementia where song repertoire may be related to a focus on rekindling memories. There needs, however, to be an awareness of how songs can elicit powerful positive and negative emotions when connected to memory, so a choir leader needs to be mindful of participants’ reactions to songs.
For choirs that perform, the choice of repertoire will also be in part directed by programming. One choir leader noted that “repertoire was chosen to be nostalgic, positive, and uplifting. Repertoire was also chosen to create a cohesive concert program with varying tempos.”
Whatever music is chosen, it is essential that choir members enjoy the music as this encourages full participation! While it is not possible to please every member of the choir all the time, choir leaders should aim to include enough variety that everyone enjoys something!