The New Chat Feature: Fast Communication Directly in Chorilo

Communication Without Detours

Communication within a choir is the foundation of successful collaboration. Whether it's about short-notice rehearsal changes, arrangements between voice sections, or organizational questions before a concert - fast and uncomplicated communication is indispensable. Until now, many choirs relied on external messenger services like WhatsApp or Telegram. While this worked, it also brought disadvantages: private phone numbers had to be shared, information was scattered across different platforms, and the separation between choir work and private life increasingly blurred.

With the new chat feature in Chorilo, these problems are a thing of the past. All communication now takes place where all other choir information is managed. Sheet music, events, announcements, and now personal messages - everything in one place. This integration not only creates clarity but also saves time and reduces the risk of important information getting lost in the flood of different apps.

Privacy Comes First

A key advantage of the integrated chat feature is privacy protection. When choir members communicate via Chorilo, they don't need to exchange private phone numbers. Communication takes place through the platform without personal contact details being disclosed. This is particularly valuable for new members who are just settling into the choir, or for situations where a certain professional distance should be maintained.

The separation of private and choir communication has another advantage. When a member leaves the choir, access to choir communication also ends automatically. No groups need to be manually cleaned up, no numbers need to be deleted. Management is centralized and automatic through member management in Chorilo. Those who are members have access. Those who are no longer members no longer have access. It's that simple.

Direct Messages and Group Chats

The chat feature in Chorilo offers two basic forms of communication that meet the different needs of choir work. Direct messages enable personal communication between two members. Whether it's a quick arrangement with the section leader, a question to the conductor, or an exchange between board members - direct messages are the fastest way for bilateral communication.

Group chats, on the other hand, enable exchange between multiple people simultaneously. A voice section can have its own chat to discuss difficult passages. The board can use a group chat for organizational arrangements. A project team for an upcoming concert can coordinate in a dedicated chat. The possibilities are diverse and adapt to the individual structures of each choir.

When creating a group chat, a name can be assigned that makes the purpose of the group clear. Participants can be added and removed, and group chat administrators have the ability to manage the group. This flexibility makes it possible to create the appropriate communication structure for every situation.

Fast Real-Time Reactions

Modern communication thrives on speed. When a rehearsal is relocated at short notice, when a member has an urgent question, or when quick coordination is needed, every minute counts. The chat feature in Chorilo works in real-time. Messages are delivered immediately, and the sender can see whether their message has arrived. Typing indicators show when the conversation partner is composing a reply. These features, familiar from modern messenger services, ensure fluid and natural communication.

Push notifications inform members about new messages even when the app is not currently open. This way, no one misses important information. At the same time, the notification function can be individually customized. Those who don't want to be disturbed at certain times can mute individual chats. Control lies with the user, not with the technology.

Integration into the Permission System

The chat feature is seamlessly integrated into Chorilo's existing permission system. This means administrators can precisely control who may use the chat feature. In some choirs, perhaps only the board should be able to chat with each other. In other choirs, the feature should be open to all members. Still others may want to restrict the feature to certain groups. All these scenarios can be mapped through the flexible permission system.

This integration also has practical advantages for moderation. Should inappropriate behavior occur, administrators can intervene. Messages can be reported, and the Chorilo team reviews reported content. In case of serious violations, users can be excluded from the chat feature. These security mechanisms ensure that communication remains respectful and constructive.

Everything in One Place

Perhaps the greatest advantage of the integrated chat feature is the centralization of all information. Previously, choir members had to switch between different apps: Chorilo for sheet music and events, WhatsApp for quick arrangements, email for official communication. This fragmentation often led to information being lost or not reaching all members.

With the chat feature in Chorilo, this media break is eliminated. A member opens the app, sees the current events, can view the sheet music for the next rehearsal, and simultaneously communicate with other members. Everything in one application, everything with one login, everything clearly in one place. This integration not only saves time but also increases the likelihood that important information actually reaches everyone.

Available on All Devices

The chat feature is available both in the mobile app and in the web application. Quickly send a message from your smartphone on the go, respond more extensively at home on the computer - communication adapts to users' everyday lives. Synchronization happens in real-time, so messages are immediately available on all devices. It doesn't matter whether a member uses iOS or Android, whether they prefer the app or the browser. Communication works equally well everywhere.

A Step Toward the Future

The introduction of the chat feature is another step in Chorilo's development into a comprehensive platform for choir management. What began as a simple tool for sheet music management is today a complete solution for all aspects of choir work. Events, sheet music, member management, cashbook, ticket sales, and now communication - Chorilo grows with the requirements of its users.

The chat feature was developed based on feedback from many choirs. The desire for an integrated communication solution was one of the most frequent suggestions in recent months. We are pleased to be able to fulfill this wish and are excited about feedback from our users. As always: Chorilo is continuously being developed, and feedback from choirs flows directly into the development of new features.

The new chat feature is now available to all Chorilo users. Try it out and experience how easy choir communication can be when everything comes together in one place.