Today’s Muse, Singing in the Choir

Muse:  A source of inspiration and a guiding spirit.

Today’s Muse is the Choir

A few years ago I joined the choir at church.  I had never really sung publicly before and couldn’t read music.  They were looking for people who wanted to make a joyful noise!

What is a choir?  Just a group of singers?

A choir speaks to you through a song.  But it is more than that, it is a pouring out of stories, dreams and hopes.

Listening to another choir member during a solo makes my heart soar. Performing a solo in a choir is not a lonely thing.  It is an amazing experience as the entire choir supports you, sharing and experiencing the singing of the story and message.

The choir is not just a group of singers but is a group that has become one.

 

 

Advertisement

Fumbly Bumbly Angels of Simpson

Simpson’s own Angels and Friends presented The Fumbly Bumbly Angels, a delightful play written by Dennis Hartin.

The Angels and Friends were captivating and as part of the play the congregation sang with them many of our favorite Christmas hymns.

 

The story starts with the Fumbly Bumbly Angels being chosen to share in the bearing of good tidings about an event that will save all the people on earth and witness God’s greatest gift to the world.

On their journey they meet shepherds and even Kings bearing gifts.

They meet the innkeeper who allowed Mary and Joseph to stay in his stable when they could find no lodging.

They meet the baby Jesus, the son of God, sent to earth to take away the sins of the world.

They are witnesses to an event that will never be forgotten and is celebrated by the world every year.

For a job well done the angels earn a place in the Heavenly Choir leading the congregation in the finale song Joy to the World.

Well done Simpson Angels and Friends!

 

 

 

 

Singing in the Choir

While listening to a VoiceBox segment on Colorado Public Radio I was surprised to hear that research shows singing, specifically singing in a choir, has significant benefits for your health.

I joined the choir at my church several years ago and I thoroughly enjoy being part of the group.  Even though I can’t read music the other choir members and choir director have made me feel very welcome.

Why do I enjoy the choir?  I just assumed that because the people were so friendly and fun.  Being in a choir is much more complicated than just opening your mouth and making a joyful noise.  What are the benefits of group singing?

Often compared to Yoga (which I truly love), singing in a choir has a calming and soothing effect on its members.  Group singing elevates spirits.

Could it be happy hormones are released during singing?  Science seems to think yes.  Much like eating chocolate or engaging in other activities that produce pleasure.

A group of singers actually synchronize their heart beats and pulses also increase and decrease in union.  I can attest, there develops a real bond with your fellow choir members, which starts with synchronized breathing and singing in harmony.  The whole choir experience makes you more sensitive to others.

So if you need some happy hormones think about joining a choir or maybe singing with the radio or your favorite cd.  I personally like to sing along with the torch song divas!