The Benefits of a Community Choir

Over the past decade, the number of community choirs in Northern Ireland has seen a significant rise. According to British Choirs on the Net, there are approximately 34 community choirs in Northern Ireland that have online presences, such as websites or Facebook pages (choirs.org.uk, n.d.). However, this figure likely represents only a fraction of the actual number of community choirs actively operating in the region. Numerous studies have demonstrated that community choirs offer a plethora of benefits, not only to their members but also to the broader community.

Understanding Community Music

Before we can explore the processes and methodologies employed by music practitioners in establishing and sustaining these community choirs, it is essential to grasp the concept of Community Music. Although this term has not been definitively defined by arts practitioners, councils, or organizations, for the purpose of this discussion, Community Music can be viewed as an avenue for bringing together a group of individuals through music, fostering unity among those who might not typically connect. Community Music addresses the needs and experiences of vulnerable or marginalized groups in society. In essence, “Community Music is a group activity, bringing people together” (Cahill, 1998).

The Importance of Community Choirs

To appreciate the relevance of community choir benefits in contemporary society, it is crucial to delve deeper into this topic and consider the insights of a prominent community arts practitioner. Professor Graham Welch, Chair of Music Education at the UCL Institute of Education, University College London, has effectively summarized the benefits of community choirs. In a recent presentation at Gresham College, London, he discussed the various advantages of participating in a choir, which serve as the foundation for this literature review.

Social Benefits

The social aspect of participating in a community choir is arguably one of the most significant advantages. Being part of a choir fosters a sense of belonging and confidence among its members, affirming that each individual is equally important. For example, a choir member who is often housebound due to medical issues may find that participating in the choir becomes their primary social interaction, allowing them to communicate, forge friendships, and build relationships. Moreover, community choirs exemplify group membership, where each member learns to respect and value others, creating an inclusive environment.

Research indicates that “group singing may lead to increases in positive feelings, decreases in negative feelings, as well as increases in the release of the hormone oxytocin, which has previously been implicated in intimate social bonding” (Welch, 2013). This diversity within community choirs enhances social integration, a critical aspect of their benefit. Sociologist Émile Durkheim posits that “people's norms, beliefs, and values make up a collective consciousness, or a shared way of understanding and behaving in the world. The collective consciousness binds individuals together and creates social integration” (courses.lumenlearning.com, n.d.). I believe this is the most vital benefit of community choirs, as learning occurs through social interaction, which is further explored in the educational component of this essay.

Psychosocial Advantages

Psychosocial factors play a significant role in the benefits derived from community choirs. The term psychosocial refers to “the influence of social factors on an individual’s mind or behavior, and to the interrelation of behavioral and social factors” (Lahelma, 2002). Participation in community choirs offers several psychosocial benefits:

1. Intra-personal communication: This involves self-reflection and personal growth.
2. Catharsis: Singing provides a release for pent-up emotions.
3. Inter-personal communication: Engaging with others fosters connections and camaraderie.

These psychosocial benefits serve various purposes:

• Distraction: Music can immerse individuals, providing an escape from everyday stresses (Raymond MacDonald, 2012).
• Positive thoughts and feelings: “Singing fortifies health, widens culture, refines the intelligence, enriches the imagination, makes for happiness, and endows life with an added zest” (barbershop.org).
• Emotional impact: Music can significantly influence mood and emotions.
• Ambiguity: Music can have varied effects on different individuals.
• Behavioral influence: Music acts as a universal language, uniting people across ages and backgrounds.

Musical Education

In today's technologically advanced world, music is more accessible than ever. For music practitioners, facilitating music education during choir rehearsals is essential. There are numerous musical elements that practitioners may wish to teach:

Physical Benefits

Singing in a choir also offers various physical benefits:

• Respiratory health: Singing enhances lung function and improves respiratory health.
• Mobility: Warm-up exercises during rehearsals promote physical activity.
• Posture improvement: Proper singing techniques can enhance overall posture.
• Neurological development: Singing stimulates brain activity and fosters cognitive engagement.

As noted, “Singing exercises the vocal cords and keeps them youthful, even in old age. It improves posture and lifts moods by releasing endorphins” (source). The benefits of singing extend beyond mere enjoyment; they contribute to physical well-being and emotional health.

Educational Opportunities

Community choirs also serve as educational platforms. They provide opportunities to learn about music and its connection to intellectual development, including literacy. Many community choirs emphasize learning as a core mission, whether that involves teaching new members the basics of singing or helping experienced singers refine their techniques.

In conclusion, by examining the multifaceted benefits of community choirs, it is clear that they have profound short-term and long-term impacts on health and well-being for individuals of all ages. The human voice is a vital part of our identity, unique to each person, and community choirs serve to celebrate this diversity while fostering connections and enhancing quality of life.

References

1. Cahill, A. (1998). The Role of Community Music.
2. Welch, G. (2013). The Benefits of Group Singing.
3. Lahelma, E. (2002). The Psychosocial Aspects of Community Music.
4. Turino, T. (2008). Music as a Social Experience.
5. Raymond MacDonald. (2012). The Health Benefits of Music.
6. courses.lumenlearning.com. (n.d.). Collective Consciousness and Social Integration.
7. http://www.barbershop.org/education/vocal-health/health-benefits-of-singing/. (n.d.).