The Choral Calculator algorithm has been updated to align with the results of the author’s ongoing doctoral research. The KC1.1 model replaces the previous KC1.0 model, better reflecting the investigation participants’ perception of the difficulty which a choral work poses to a choir and the estimated rehearsal demand. From today onward, when using the Choral Calculator, you will automatically be using the new KC1.1 model.

The difficulty scale has been updated to range from 0 to 100, providing greater detail in difficulty perception. The Choral Calculator considers any choral work with a difficulty rating above 100 to be unfeasible. However, it is also important to consider the estimated margin of error of ±4.23 difficulty degrees. Therefore, it is safer to avoid any piece rated above 95.

The rehearsal time scale, on the other hand, remains unchanged. The Choral Calculator considers any piece unfeasible if the estimated rehearsal demand exceeds 11 months, assuming a one-month break within a yearly choir activity cycle. Depending on the choir’s actual schedule, the person responsible for planning may prefer to consider pieces with lower estimated rehearsal demand as unfeasible. The update to the time scale now includes a margin of error of ±70 minutes, which should also be taken into account when planning.

The margin of error for the estimates, both for difficulty and rehearsal demand, was calculated with a 95% confidence level in mind.

Part of the ongoing research has already been published in Portuguese and is available on the Documentation page. Within 60 days, additional documentation in English will be included.

If you have any questions or would like to share your experience with the new version, feel free to contact us!