I’ve said before, it’s not all about the performance…
It’s about the act of singing, together.
However, at the end of each term, ”Global Harmony,” the choir I sing with, compiles a concert, and it’s always a very enjoyable event. We’ve got two coming up in June!
20th June South Croxton, 26th June Melton Mowbray
But, it’s not all about the performance; it’s about the act of singing together. The whole thing’s bigger than the sum of its parts. Singing with these fine folk is a privilege.
Global Harmony choir sings a dynamic variety of world music in a fun, friendly, informal environment; songs that celebrate diverse cultures and the joy of singing. Exciting rhythms of Africa, stirring Eastern European harmonies, songs from around the world.
I started singing with Global Harmony in 2008! They are an a cappella community choir that aims to sing truly from the heart, and as such, they don’t use sheet music in practice or performance. See Natural Voice Network for more info – as they say, “celebrating the voice you were born with, rather than trying to train it to an ideal of perfection”.
The act of singing releases endorphins, the brain’s ‘feel-good’ chemicals. Singing in front of and essentially with others can be even more rewarding.
Singing is arguably a primal action, to express oneself in song – pre-language. It could be said that habitual structured language might even inhibit essential expression, feeling, thought, and being.
Singing requires deeper breathing. Singing can have some of the same effects as exercise. It’s an aerobic activity: more oxygen into the blood, better circulation, and helps with a “good” mood.
Many studies have found that after people take part in singing, over time, there are significant decreases in both anxiety and depression levels, and that habitual singers find that singing plays a central role in their psychological health. Singing requires attention; it’s hard to worry about work or money or family problems when you’re actively engaged in singing.
The pre-language primal song, of course, was a group social activity – the war chant, the rain dance, singing down the mine, cries from the plantation, the pub singalong, traditional church singing, celebrations, “happy birthday to you” – realisation that you are one of a group, identification, belonging, sharing…
Anyway, I’ve started to waffle!
Perhaps you might come along and join us on one Monday night? You’d be very welcome!
Or come along and experience a performance – as I say, there are two performances in June!
Check the website for more details: globalharmony.org.uk
20th June at South Croxton, 26th June at Melton Mowbray.
Jules P Richards 