Introducing Part Leaders at Castle Voices

As Castle Voices continues to grow, it becomes even more important that communication and support flow smoothly within the choir. To help with this, we are introducing Part Leaders for each section.

Part Leaders are not “mini-conductors” or formal committee members, but friendly points of contact within each section. Their role is to help everyone feel more connected and supported, and to make rehearsals run as smoothly as possible.

At Castle Voices, Part Leaders will focus on:

• Communication – passing on updates from the committee or music director to their section.

• Support in rehearsals – helping with notes, tricky entries, or just offering encouragement.

• Feedback – acting as a channel for ideas, suggestions, or concerns from singers to the committee or director.

• Encouragement – welcoming new members and helping them settle in.

• Practical organisation – such as helping with seating, sharing music, or noting attendance if needed.

Why are they called “Part Leaders”?

In choral singing, music is usually divided into different parts—soprano, alto, tenor, and bass—each with its own line in the score. Every part brings a unique colour and texture to the harmony, and together they create the full sound of the choir. A Part Leader is simply someone who helps guide and support their part. They are there to make sure their section is confident, informed, and well looked after.

Part Leaders in Other Choirs

Many choirs use a part-leader system. In some professional choirs, part leaders are responsible for keeping musical standards high within their section—listening for tuning, blend, and balance. In community choirs, the role is often more pastoral: checking in on members, answering questions, and making sure everyone feels comfortable. Some choirs even ask part leaders to run occasional sectional rehearsals, or to circulate rehearsal tracks and resources.

What all these versions have in common is the belief that a choir is strongest when every singer feels supported. Part Leaders help bridge the gap between the committee, the music director, and the wider choir, ensuring that no one feels left behind.

We hope this new structure will make Castle Voices even more welcoming, organised, and enjoyable for everyone.