Choirs are Suddenly ‘Cool’
Choirs are Suddenly ‘Cool’
This autumn, do you want a cheap way to get ‘a high’, get fit, make friends and beat depression? Then join one of our local singing groups – or even our church choir.
No kidding – people all over the county have discovered the simple but real joy of singing with other people – whether in choirs or in karaoke bars. Following the TV programmes ‘Last Choir Standing’ and ‘The Choir: Boys Don’t Sing’, choral groups have suddenly become mainstream ‘cool’.
When even Susan Boyle of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ tried to join her local church choir earlier this year, they had to turn her away – the choir was already full to bursting point.
Researchers at the University of London have researched the benefits of singing. When you sing, you have to breathe in a way that uses more of your total lung volume. More air means more oxygen in the blood, which means you are left feeling more alert.
Singing also works the cardio-vascular systems, and gives you the kind of hormonal release that comes from being focused on a task – and enjoying it at the same time.
Singing is great for stressed out, deskbound people who spend their days slumped in a chair. It gets their diaphragms moving, and reduces their tension. Singing with other people gives you an increased sense of community and belonging.
Louise from Hampshire was suicidal following her divorce: “Joining my local Rock Choir was the best thing I have ever done. Now I look forward to every Wednesday, when we rehearse.” Juliette from just west of London suffers from bad arthritis. She joined a barber-shop troupe: “It helps to ease the pain and gives me a workout at the same time.”
This autumn our Church Choir would welcome any more people. In addition, the St. Martin’s Singers who have an outreach agenda with a broad repertoire but also augment the Choir on occasion, would also welcome members – this is not necessarily incompatible! Members of both groups, in addition to collaborating on particular occasions (including weddings and funerals), have combined with other church groups in special productions such as the Roger Jones Christian musicals “Snakes and Ladders” and “Angel Voices”. Several members of our Church are looking forward to participating ina new Roger Jones production (including drama and dance) – “Rock”, the story of the early church: this is likely both to “grab you” and get your feet tapping!
Why not join us? The Church Choir meets at 7 pm (we would love to see children joining us! (Ed: It’s how I first really came to Jesus! How long ago is my business!) – on Thursday evenings. The St. Martin’s Singers continue for an hour or so at 8 pm. They are distinct, but on the other hand ….. ! We seek to encourage rather than train – but you might surprise yourself!
– but heartily endorsed by the Editor!