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Lettin' Loose Choir

Sing Like There’s Nobody Listening!

Many people say they feel a lot better when they sing. This simple statement might go a long way to explain why people are joining choirs in record numbers in many communities. It is a well established fact that singing benefits both mental and physical health. Researchers who have studied the health benefits of singing claim that people who sing are healthier than those who don’t. In fact, singing, which necessitates breathing deeply, is good aerobic exercise for the lungs, abdominal muscles, and circulatory system. Endorphins are released that lift the singer’s spirits and relax the body. There is also research that suggests that a small organ in the inner ear is stimulated by singing, which in turn produces immediate pleasure. If singing alone can produce such results, imagine what benefits can be had by singing together in larger community groups!

If you ask community choir members about their experiences, they are likely to express great enthusiasm, especially those who have never sung in a choir before. There have always been opportunities for the vocally adept to join auditioned, professional choirs, but until lately, there were few opportunities for those who wanted to sing but thought they couldn’t, perhaps because of being told in the past that they “couldn’t hold a tune”. Many community choirs specialize in nurturing the voices of those who mistakenly believe that they can’t sing or who want to gain confidence in a safe environment. The truth is that everyone can sing and even the “tonally challenged” can improve their musical ears with practice.

Choir membership for some is more than just a weekly opportunity to harmonize; it is a way of life. And the community-building benefits associated with non-auditioned, “everyone welcome” choirs and their spin-off events are immeasurable. The connections people make in a large choir foster more projects which enhance a community’s health.

People who never thought they would open their mouths to sing in front of others are discovering the joys of harmonizing and they can’t get enough of it. The atmosphere in community choirs is encouraging, relaxing and above all fun. Even those who are normally fearful of singing typically experience the high that blending and merging many voices into one voice can bring. We use the phrase ‘in harmony’ to describe this perfect state of balance. When you put your whole heart and soul into the music and lose your inhibitions, it can be both a physically uplifting and at the same time very spiritual experience. When you’re in a choir, the whole world sings!

So if you want to have your spirit restored and to feel energized, less tight, healthier, renewed and in harmony with the world, consider joining a community choir near you. The Lettin’ Loose Community Choir, which thus far includes members from Qualicum Beach to Union Bay, meets Monday nights from 7 – 8:30 pm at the Fanny Bay Community Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend regardless of age or perceived ability. We are a non-auditioned, supportive and adventurous group who sing from a repertoire which includes music from a large variety of traditions, cultures, nations and styles. Our facilitator is Monica Hofer, who brings her love of music and rhythm to each session - her boundless energy and strong belief that there is a song for every-body makes everyone want to rise up and sing.

2009

Session #1 Jan 19, 26, Feb 2, 16, 23,Mar 2, 9 and 23

Session #2 Mar 30, Apr 6, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 25, June 1

8 week sessions: $48 / session or $8 / drop in fee

Please note: As of 2009, new fees for hand-drumming classes and choir are in effect. Refunds will not be given for missed classes (unless it’s my fault!) nor will partial payment be accepted except on a drop- in basis. Late starts, however, will be prorated and a sliding fee scale is available on request. So please decide which works better for you: to pay the full price at the start of the session (and save yourself the extra drop- in costs) or to pay drop- in because you will be away for some classes in one session.

FMI and for schedule information, phone Monica @338-1444. In the meantime, “sing like there’s nobody listening”!