Generally speaking, people are shocked to know that I spend approximately 14 hours a week in rehearsals for music. Almost all of those hours are spent singing. I also study economics. I work. I volunteer. I occasionally sleep. My life is extremely busy but I wouldn't trade it for the world and I would certainly never refer to music as a "burden" to me.
Speaking of generalities, many people who don't know me very well think that I am singing and dancing to pop songs or being a dramatic theatre girl. No. I don't dance. I don't participate in theatre at this point in my life. I sing classical music. Irish music. Secular music. Non-secular music.
If you have never been involved in a choir, please don't judge those who are--those who hang out with their choir more than their family and those who would rather practice music than practice a sport. We all have different interests and mine are no better or worse than yours
In defense of the choir kid. That's what I am getting to. Don't worry, this article isn't pointless. I am about to defend you. Because if you're reading this, you're probably either a choir kid or someone who is bored and wonders what kind of direction this piece could be going in.
I can work with upwards of fifty other people to create one seamless product. As an economics major, I know that I will have to work with other people on projects and find my place within the team. What better way to work with others and find your place than through music? Choir kids understand this to a point that most don't. Yes, in sports you have a team and you must work with them. In choir, our vowels have to be the same. Our cut-offs must be precise and we must all be singing the same notes within our sections to have a polished product to present to our audience.
Do we get frustrated with each other? Sure. I have been singing in choirs for 11 years now. I understand the frustration. When someone isn't doing what we think they should be doing or are hindering the process of creating music, it can be a rough time. The choir kid understands that and can cope with frustration.
I have my people. In high school, I knew where I belonged. I belonged in the choir hallway with my people. In college, I belong in the choir hallway (or my "office" for those friends who get the joke) with my choir family. Choir kids have a built in family during school. People of all ages struggle to find their place. I know that after graduation, I could continue singing in a community choir or whatever comes my way and have another set of people to make music with. I will never outgrow or (hopefully) become physically unable to do what I love. My bones will become weak someday, I may not have the same voice that I do today, but music is a gift that I can take with me for the rest of my life.
Choir creates actual marketable skills that employers want. I have dedicated my time to getting as close to perfection on something as I can. Pushing myself to the limit and approaching things that I don't understand. I have to figure out songs in many different languages. I have to keep the tempo, sing the right notes, watch the director, glance at my score, and have a pleasant appearance on my face when I perform. I can translate those skills right into business. I can juggle multiple tasks at the same time and keep my composure.
The choir kid has travel opportunities. I have been extremely blessed to have traveled all of last semester through Europe, but you know what? I get to go to Ireland with my choir in May. I don't know any other group on campus that gets to do something that fulfilling. I get to sing in St. Patrick's Cathedral. Not many people can say that. Without music, I wouldn't have gone to both Disney World and New York City in high school. Music can bring opportunities to see the world and have a group of your best pals by your side while you sing in an entirely new place.
A well-traveled, determined, collaborative, and creative student is everything an employer could ever want. So, in defense of the choir kid, we are actually very marketable.
Maybe future employers should start looking for people involved in music more often. We are a unique breed of people and businesses in all disciplines could use more of them.
