Middle school choir often feels chaotic: changing voices, developing musicianship, and students who are still discovering their musical identities. This session presents practical classroom systems that help transform that chaos into a structured and supportive rehearsal environment. Attendees will explore a predictable weekly rehearsal structure, engaging rhythmic sight-reading strategies, solfege-based warm-ups, and classroom management techniques that build both musical independence and student accountability. Drawing on Orff, Kodály, and Dalcroze influences, the session demonstrates how movement, routine, and student voice can strengthen musicianship while maintaining a joyful rehearsal culture. Participants will leave with adaptable rehearsal frameworks, classroom management strategies, and practical tools they can implement immediately in their own middle school choral classrooms
From Chaos to Choir: Systems for Successful Middle School Choirs
Lesli Olson
Lesli Olson, MMEd, is choir director at Goldenview Middle School in Anchorage, Alaska. She has twenty-three years of teaching experience across elementary, middle school, and high school settings, including positions in South Texas, New York City, and Alaska. Her middle school choirs consistently earn superior ratings at regional festivals and have received first-place awards at out-of-state competitions. Olson holds Orff Levels I-II certification, Kodály Level I training, and extensive Dalcroze experience. She serves as president of the Alaska Choral Directors Association and presented at the 2026 Northwest ACDA Region Conference. Olson frequently shares practical rehearsal strategies focused on music literacy, student engagement, and building joyful middle school choral programs.
