There are few experiences more pleasurable than singing. And Christmas offers us endless opportunities to indulge. With weekly carol concerts and choirs in the street, how can we resist the desire to open our throats and ‘make a joyful noise’?
This post is an ode to song, to choirs and choral fellowship. You don’t have to be an Elvis or an Adele to enjoy singing. You don’t have to be physically able. You don’t have to be young. Singing is the most democratic of activities.
The perfect formula for life
Photo by Leonardo Sanches on Unsplash
Why sing?
For me the answer is obvious, because it is enjoyable. Once a week, I go to choir and meet up with a collection of people who are warm, welcoming and enthusiastic about music. Further, it is the opportunity to achieve something as a group; to work together to create something beautiful – literally out of thin air.
Here is a space where we can express any range of emotions with absolute gusto. When we covered ‘This is me’ from The Greatest Showman, each of us found resonance with our own insecurities and imperfections. And together, we were empowered to chorus, ‘Look out ’cause here I come!’
Later, when we sang ‘Bring Him Home’ from Les Miserables, there were quite a few tears in the room from those whose loved ones were not coming home. Were the tears a source of embarrassment? Not at all. We all gave and received hugs and carried on. We found catharsis in the act of singing our grief and having it acknowledged both in the words of the song and by our friends.
One of the most acknowledged benefits of choir is that of creating friendships. There are numerous people I love in choir and some I meet outside the group, but one person particularly has been my companion and support throughout these difficult years. Is it likely I would have befriended a 75 year-old woman from the opposite end of town under any other circumstances? I doubt it. But choir brought us together.
For me, these Abba lyrics sum it up:
Who can live without it?
I ask in all honesty, what would life be?
Without a song or a dance, what are we?
Thank you for the music, Abba
Somewhat surprisingly, in addition to the personal enjoyment element, singing in a choir is physically and psychologically good for you. There has been extensive research in this area and far too much to write here – but these are some of the highlights.
Physical health Benefits
- It helps your heart – improving ‘cardiovascular fitness’ and ‘improving lung function’ (Gresham.ac.uk) by making your lungs stronger and easing breathing difficulties . It also helps regulate your heart rate and lowers blood pressure. If you are suffering from a chronic condition, singing may well provide the work-out you need.
- Surprisingly, it also boosts the immune system. It may not replace the flu shot, but is a painless way of keeping germs at bay.
- There are many more benefits, but this one speaks for all of them. A 2008 Harvard study showed that singing in a choir increased life expectancy!
Psychological benefits
- A no side-effect happy pill. When singing, the body releases endorphins which make you feel more cheerful, reduce stress and anxiety. The deep breathing involved only serves to strengthen these benefits.
- Being a member of a choir enhances a sense of well-being and belonging
- It allows us to express our creative side and if applicable, release our inner diva!
- A resounding rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus will inevitably result in a sense of awe which in turn boosts empathy and generosity. Choir singing isn’t just good for you; it’s good for everyone.
Choosing a choir
The good news is that there is a choir out there for everyone. Near me, there are classical, gospel, church, contemporary and rock choirs. Many do a mixture of styles and the best way to see if they are for you is to attend a concert and see if they suit.
I’m a member of a community choir and it contains a mix of very experienced singers and those less confident. We are given sheet music if we ask for it, but most people learn from their CDs/Choir Player App. The results may not be perfect, though I think they are pretty good. Below is a charity video my choir made. I’ll let you judge for yourself.
And even if you decide a choir is not for you, I do encourage you to sing – if only in the shower.