Singing is an intimate talent that generally people do no believe they do not possess. While people will love to talk, and hear the sound of their own voice, if you ask them to sing or hear them sing, almost immediately people who are not everyday singers are embarrassed. Singing is one of the natural ways people can express themselves, and has many benefits to the singer as well as the audience. In my experience, I find singing in a group of talented individuals not only an artistic experience, but a developmental experience. This is why I believe everyone should try singing in a choir at least once in their life.
I have been singing for a long time, and it is my top passion; not a day goes by where I am not singing something, whether it is on the radio or in choir, I always try to sing at least an hour a day. But this was not always my forte, pun intended. Prior to joining my first real choir experience in high school, confident was not an adjective that was used in the same sentence when my name came up, in truth I was quite shy for the longest time. Yet it was through my experiences in middle school and high school choir where my confidence really got built up. This is my first point, singing builds confidence. If you are able to confidently sing with people around you, regardless of what quality of sounds come out of your mouth, you have already won half the battle. Confident individuals stick out, they are coveted by employers, and are revered by their peers. In developing into a healthy young person, confidence is key. In a choir surrounded by people who love you, and believe in you is the biggest confidence builder; if anyone should join a choir, any choir, for whatever reason, I would to encourage them to just for the development in confidence, and the relationships one will build.
Speaking of relationships, choir helps you build them. I met two previous girlfriends because of my involvement in the arts, I have also met some of the best friends I will ever have due to choir and the arts. After many months of singing around new people, you will develop friendships. Not only are these long lasting friendships, these friendships will help you in growing each others talents and abilities. The people within the rehearsal space, are some of the best and brightest, that your community has to offer; they long to see you grow exponentially so that you, in turn, will help them grow. Not just as musicians, but as better people.
Choir makes you more culturally diverse. The practicing of this art form, and the execution of the artistry allow for you to become more aware of different styles and trends in music; as well as pick up on different languages. In the musical ensembles that I have been a part of, I have sang in: English, French, Creole, German, Latin, Swahili, and Italian. I personally cannot think of any language course in any sort of schooling, where in a few months you can read portions of multiple different languages, and actually understand how to pronounce the words and understand the translations. To understand another culture's language breaks barriers that keep humans ignorant of one another. Breaking, even just a bit of that ignorance, will build bridges among cultures in unfathomable ways.
Music relieves stress and improves one's mood; when signing, the artistry of the notes actually has a profound impact on how one's mood is. Think about it, people will listen to blues when they are sad, and pop when they are happy. In choral music, the key sets the tone of the piece, studies have shown that songs in major keys actually release endorphins of dopamine, making people genuinely happy after singing choral music in a group setting. I know from personal experience, both in college and in high school, after having a stressful day choir was place to escape. I could be flat on every note in rehearsal, and still end the class period feeling happier than when I entered.
Lastly, choir will create life long memories. The best memories I have were in high school choir, seeing as how I am only twenty. From singing the Hallelujah Chorus by Handel at every Christmas concert, performing in my high school's varsity show choir, to the time the entire choir buying a new stand for our director. I will always have these lasting memories that I would not have had had I not joined choir. As far as I have come as a musician, I would not trade these memories for all the singing talent in the world. While artistry, and performing are important in choir, it is more important that you surround yourself with loving people who you will make wonderful memories with to foster your growth as person. It is with these few beliefs, and personal experiences, that I believe everyone should try singing in a choir at least once in their life.
