Ultimately, you might want your choir to sing polyphonically, so it is also worth your while playing two notes on a keyboard and asking them to pitch either the upper or lower; more advanced singers might be asked to do the same with three-note chords, singing either the top, middle or bottom.

Finally, you will want to see how well they will work within a group. This is always difficult to judge, but in the case of a school choir, it is worth talking to a pupil's form teacher or having a look at past school reports.

The Decision:

The above exercises should have given you an inkling regarding your children's abilities, and it is time to make your decision. You will need to juggle all the following things:

The most important parts of your checklist are the first three, since you can do the rest in rehearsals.

Remember...if their sound is clear at all times, then you are on to a winner from the beginning.

Next month, Jeffrey will look at the early practices, how to structure them and teaching points on vocal technique.