If a part of your childhood consisted of being involved in your school and or parish choir, you might stand out from the congregation a little more than you would guess. Even when you are simply sitting in the pew, your choir roots may come out in more ways than one. Here are ten signs that you may have been in the choir growing up.

1. You have your hymnal open before everyone else

The numbers of the songs are already displayed. It does not make much sense to have to wait for the number to be announced.

2. You have been caught humming a hymn to yourself at least twice

Sometimes they are just that catchy! There is no telling when the tune will pop up in your head.

3. When the choir is singing a song that is not in the hymnal, you find yourself singing, because you obviously have the words memorized

Even though you had to memorize those lyrics years ago, once the choir starts singing, the lyrics all come back to you.

4. The meanings of crescendo, staccato, and locato have been engraved into your brain

So many musical terms that after being constantly drilled into your head, will simply always stick with you.

5. You know the parts of the mass based on the songs being sung

Oh yeah, that's the part that comes after the Alleluia....right?

6. You connect being a part of the choir as both a way of getting out of class and early morning practices

As a previous member of the choir, you know there is a good deal of give and take. One or two early morning practices may have been exhausting, but you did get out of class to practice for mass early. So it all evens out in the end.

7. You know the descant to every song that has one (even if it is not written)

It is not uncommon that you may be tempted to sing the harmonizing part of the song rather than its melody. After having to initially change the way you sing the song, sometimes you just want to sing it like you used to.

8. You prepare yourself for the long notes by taking a deep breath ahead of time

You know the songs in and out. To be able to hold that certain note for as long as it is intended to be held, requires a little more help from your lungs.

9. You put the hymnal down early, since you already know the words

After practicing the song over and over again, you mean it way you say you know the words.

10. You have a better understanding of your own voice

With the help of choir, you have learned a lot about yourself. Whether you are an alto, soprano, tenor, or baritone; you have found your vocal range and even a different side of yourself.