Singing the praises of choirs
It’s impossible not to feel great after a group sing-song, but why? Janan Jay reports.
Attending a rehearsal with the Wellington Community Choir on a Wednesday evening, it’s easy to see why people get hooked on singing as part of a group.
It’s an unexpectedly uplifting experience, full of infectious toetapping and laughter.
Semi-retired therapist and educator Roy Bowden explains that within the practice hall there’s a huge sense of belonging. ‘‘There’s a huge emotional benefit. It’s not uncommon for people to say ‘I didn’t feel like coming... but I came and my whole mood has lifted’.’’
Starting off in classical choirs over 40 years ago, Bowden prefers the relaxed and egalitarian nature of a community gathering. Instead of striving for perfection through strictly following sheet music, the participants are lead in song by musical director Julian Raphael and are free to gravitate to whatever section they feel suits them, without question.
The feelings of euphoria are evident. People leave ‘‘actually dancing as they sing, towards their cars,’’ he says. This response isn’t unusual, according to Dr Nicola Swain, senior lecturer at the Department of Psychological Medicine at Otago University. ‘‘Some researchers say that the well-being benefits of group singing are because of both social connectedness and group identity. ‘‘The belonging to something bigger than yourself enhances wellbeing.’’
‘‘In New Zealand we have seen a reduction in church-going where weekly group singing is the norm. Maybe community choirs can fill something of the gap that this leaves in peoples’ lives.’’
Song leader and choreographer Harilalao ’’Lala’’ Rasoavololona Simpson has been involved in community music projects since birth, as in her native Madagascar it’s an integral part of the culture, and agrees with the sentiment. ’’The week after I moved here, I joined the choir,’’ she recalls. Simpson has lived all over NZ and one of the first things she does when moving to a new place is join a choir. It’s both a support network and a part of her identity.
‘‘If I don’t come, there’s something missing during the week. It can be quite addictive actually - it’s a good addiction, no?’’ she laughs. In the UK, group singing has been successfully used as a treatment for people with serious mental health issues, says Swain. Simpson happily confirms this. ‘‘There was a lady who had depression and wouldn’t leave her house or do things with other people,’’ she said. ‘‘Singing changes her mood. ‘‘There is something about that togetherness that takes away isolation, because a lot of people are isolated.’’
Dr Daphne Rickson, senior lecturer in music therapy at the New Zealand School of Music, says the activity can be a powerful healing tool for Kiwis in the aftermath of a crisis. She’s currently conducting research with teachers at Waitakiri School in Christchurch, where children have been encouraged to sing daily since the 2010-2011 earthquakes. ‘‘They believe singing has been really important in helping [them] ... feel connected, safe and secure at school. The children are then more ready to learn’’.
With a swathe of name badges at the entrance of the choir hall on rehearsal nights, it’s clear there’s already a seizable following. With no auditions or competitions, it attracts around 120-140 members. Secretary Ralph Gracie says there are a core group of 80 dedicated regulars all year round, and as the evening goes on the allure continues to become more apparent.
Like most, Gracie started singing at a young age, but lost all confidence when his voice broke. He’d relegated himself to the ‘‘back of weddings and funerals ... singing very quietly in case I put someone else off’’, until just over a decade ago he decided to give it another go.
Being part of an ensemble not only promotes and restores selfassurance, there’s also a strong emphasis on relationships, one of the salient elements of positive psychology. ‘‘For me, the magic is participating in the choir,’’ Gracie says.
‘‘You also make great interpersonal contacts, I stand with the bases on one side ... look[ing] at the sopranos on the far side, and you know who they are. You’re eye to eye. When we do sing to an audience, especially if you’re close to them, I can get emotional about their reaction to our singing. Sometimes I’ve got to stop singing because they get so moved by what we’re doing.’’
Demonstrating the truly inclusive nature of the outfit, Gracie says, ‘‘we have people from all walks of life’’.
‘‘Professionals, unemployed. People in state houses and people who are multi-millionaires.’’