Chorus Co-Hort

co-hort
noun
1.
a group or company:
2.
a companion or associate.
3.
one of the ten divisions in an ancient Roman legion, numbering from300 to 600 soldiers.
4.
any group of soldiers or warriors.
5.
an accomplice; abettor:

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This year in Treble Chorus I devised "co-horts" or small groups of 3-4 singers. Each co-hort contained at least 1 returning chorister and 1 newbie to the program. I coagulated the singers after having watched and listened to them work after a quarter, to ensure ability levels and personalities would compliment each other best as possible. 

Our school has a similar school wide "mentor" program in which new freshmen and sophomore students can sign up for. Returning sophomores through seniors can apply to be a mentor. Hence, why I didn't use the "mentor" "mentee" terminology. I also liked the concept of a "co-hort" because it implied less of an "experienced" over "non or lesser experienced" student to student relationship. In fact, for some groups I put musically advanced freshman with not-so-advanced sophomores. 

I use the groups to help establish a framework for students to work together . To provide accountability. To take pressure off of me for getting a barrage of questions from new-comers. To take away from having only 1-2 "student directors/ leaders" - this ensures every student has a group to belong with and potentiallly eliminates some of the student director power grab. To attempt to build unity.

So far I've enjoyed the nomenclature and the usefulness. When we go to work on a section and I can say, "Find your Co-Hort" and the kids buzz towards each other. Or when I'm finalizing concert details and refuse to answer one more time when and where call time is, "Ask you Co-Hort"