Why Do You Sing?
There are tens of millions of choral singers in the country. Each of us is different, yet we share a great deal in common. Choral singers from around the country were asked, “Why do you sing as part of a group?” Some of their responses are below. Reading them may help you recognize your own motivation and inspiration.
I sing because I recognize the majesty and power of being a part of such an amazing volunteer chorus who regularly performs such incredible choral repertoire and creates a positive and impactful experience for audiences and singers alike. In my view, choral music occupies a very lofty position in the human experience, where the focused efforts and talents of so many can create such a powerful result. Additionally, I can attest to the physical, spiritual, and psychological benefits associated with membership in a choir such as this. (Brian Petersen, bass)
Singing and Community
Because being human is lonely, and singing together makes it less so. It’s one of the few times I feel fully present, fully connected — like I’m part of something bigger than myself, but still deeply myself. Making music in a group is a little act of rebellion against isolation. For a few moments, we’re breathing together, listening, blending — not alone. (Giacomo DiGrigoli, tenor/alto)
Singing in a group allows me be part of something greater than myself. It lets me feel the joy of music as part of a whole. (Anonymous)
I love how it is like a community. Music acts as a language that connects us all. (Allison Garrel, soprano)
I sing for the pure love and joy of singing. I have hearing issues which makes it differ me to discern what people are saying in a crowded room where there is a lot of noise. As a result I often recluse myself and feel isolated. However, when 100 people are all singing the same thing I can finally join in, express my personality and feel part of the group. Singing keeps me in touch with humanity in a way nothing else does. (Anonymous)
Singing in a choir gives me a community that cuts across many boundaries. I have met people that I would never have met in other parts of my life. I have taken trips because of singing that I would not have done. Singing in a choir is pure joy. (Katherine Schnorrenberg, soprano)
Singing and the Soul
Singing is a healing outlet for me. Being a part of something like this is soul cleansing. (Mystee Shauers, alto)
Particularly in these difficult and uncertain times, it brings me joy and a measure of peace and perspective. (Anonymous)
It restores my soul. (Carolyn Buser, soprano/alto)
Singing and Learning
I love music, I love the challenge of learning about and to sing complex music with a group of like-minded people. I enjoy the camaraderie of the people in the group and I love learning from phenomenal directors who teach me so much. (Becky DeLameter, soprano)
There is a happy feeling associated with singing in a group. Like-minded people enjoy social interaction and create beauty together, which they cannot do alone. The challenge of learning music keeps us alert. Singing works of classical masters increases our understanding and sensitivity. We become more cultured! (Andi Jorgensen, alto)
Singing and Friends
Many of the chorus members have become good friends. I love singing with them, both in rehearsal and in performances. I look forward to going to rehearsal once a week, and makes Mondays more bearable. (Lewis Fernandez, tenor)
The sound of group singing fills my soul! We sound so powerful, and I feel all the emotions. I also love the community. Most of my social life revolves around people I met in choir, even if they don't sing with the choir anymore. We sing to celebrate, to mourn, to protest, and to come together in support. (Dana Berglund, soprano)
I continue to sing in groups because I enjoy the social aspect of working together towards a common goal which, generally, is the performance of a beautiful piece of music. It's a great way to meet new people each season who share a common bond and it sure does keep life from getting boring! Having a set schedule of rehearsals, concerts, is a great way to keep my life orderly! (Anonymous)
Singing, Renewal and Energy
I have also found ensemble singing to have a therapeutic benefit: I'm not sure how or why but it may be that during rehearsal or performance I have to focus my attention entirely in the moment, and I cannot obsess or indeed even think about anything else. I find that turning off nonconstructive mental energy worrying about something else, even if only for a short while, is emotionally restorative. (Charlie Sturrock, bass)
It brings me joy. When I go to practice tired, I always end up more energized. (Lee Ann Bailey, soprano/alto)
For the joy of it. For years I’ve known that no matter how hard I was working or how stressed I was, I would always come home from rehearsal excited and with a sense of renewal. (Richard McMillan, bass)
Singing and Expression
I sing because it gives me a creative outlet and makes me better at my day-to-day duties. It is part of my identity. "What do you do outside of work?" I'm a singer! (Joy Foust Colburn, alto/soprano)
I am a deeply introverted, sensitive person. Singing in a chorus has consistently been a safe space for me to access emotions that I otherwise struggle to share. (Sam Gradess, tenor)
I love to sing and make harmonies with other people. I also love to bring messages across to the audience and make a difference while making them feel something. (Anonymous)
How would you answer the question, “Why do you sing in a chorus or choir?” Use the Contact Us button below to share your comment.