Choosing to sing in high school is becoming harder and harder for students. Most people value “core classes” over learning how to sing. However, I learned way more about myself and the world around me in chorus class rather than math class.
There’s something so rewarding about performing a song on stage that you just cant get from solving an equation. Here’s what I learned by taking a leap of faith and joining my choir.
1. I learned a new language.
We as students should always value learning new things. Learning how to read music is like learning a new language, or a secret code. With some practice, you can read the music on the page and sing it right then and there!
Tell me that’s not the coolest thing ever. As a choir progresses, the students can start singing in other languages, too. So not only are you reading a “secret code” but you're also singing in a different dialect then your own. That requires some major brain power!
2. I became a well-rounded student.
In high school, it’s important to experience all types of activities like sports, academics, and extra curriculars. Colleges will love you if you have played a sport, have good grades, and have experience being in a choir! It shows how versatile you are.
That’s the type of student colleges look for! You’ll never be scared presenting a project because you’ve already done the scariest thing ever in front of people: sing!
3. I have a super power now!
Imagine you're in the car with your friends and a new hit starts blaring on the radio. You can sing along--and everyone will think you're amazing. If you’re visiting a new country and you hear some music, you can relate to its beat because you understand it!
That’s what I call a super power. Being in chorus class gives you the super power to relate to people of all ages, races, and cultural backgrounds. Did the Pythagorean Theorem teach you that?
4. I made new connections within my community.
Everywhere you go, you will recognize someone. Choirs are always competing in community events and you’ll eventually start seeing the same people there every year.
Being in choir class just gained you 100 new friends from different cities without even trying! I think that is pretty awesome. Singing brings people together. You might not have anything in common with a person, but you can surely sing with them!
5. I formed close relationships.
Whenever I hear particular songs, it brings me back to being in high school chorus. Those songs cause me to think about people I used to sing with and the connections we made. My high school chorus became my forever family, and I think that's the case for most people. From long bus rides, making music together, and eating all the food you possibly can after a concert, they just become your family.
The thing I value most from high school chorus was learning how to connect to people. It's a skill I will use in every job I will ever have, regardless if it involves singing or not, whereas math did NOT have the same effect on me.
If you're on the fence about joining your choir, you should give it a shot!
