The Benefits of Choir Singing

[knitter]

Did anyone else hear on the Today programme about the benefits of singing in a choir on health?

I also found an article about it on the Daily Mail on line.

Breathing is controlled and synchronised....shame I can't sing even though I' m Welsh!

[Toci]

Yes, you can sing knitter. You may have my problem and sound like a screeching cat but you CAN sing, just not very tunefully.

[Hidden]

Hi Knitter, We can all sing ... Just that others may not want to hear us.

I didn't see or hear the articles, but can understand where they're coming from as singers all have to control their breathing.

Have you tried singing in the bathroom? The acoustics always seem to be better in there

[Toci in reply to Hidden]

Agreed, in there I even sound a little better than Hilda Ogden. Do you remember her voice?

[Hidden]

CarrieMe and Toci - you are not quite correct - not everyone can sing, there are various things that can prevent someone from being able to sing, just as not everyone is able to speak. They are things we maybe take for granted when we are able to do them, but not everyone is that lucky.

Singing is great and learning to play woodwind instruments is also good, so for example the flute, oboe, bassoon etc

Sources: I have studied music and linguistics, and am close friends with a speech therapist.

[CornishBrian]

Two years ago, due to my breathing, I had to retire from work early. It was also the year of our 40th Wedding anniversary , my wifes 60th and my mothers 84 birthday, all within two days at the end of March. I decided I wanted to sing a song to my wife and my daughter in law, who is a singing teacher told me she would train me.

There was that many breathing exercises and breathing control, that my head was spinning but over a couple of weeks I either got the hang of it or found a way around it.

Felt great to stand in front of 45 family and friends and sing from my heart to my wife. I did it, I managed it, not a dry eye in the caravan park...including mine...but the feeling of exilleration and acheivment afterwards was amazing.

My daughter in law is choir master of a local choir although I have resisted the invitation to go along. I think of what I really want to sing, practice it with her and if I ever sing it to anyone else, I ain't really bothered. I feel great....breathing still crap for all other puposes but hey, you've got to make allowances.

[Toci in reply to CornishBrian]

Oh, well done! It is amazing what we can do when we make out minds up to do it.

[Hidden in reply to CornishBrian]

Cornish Brian,

That is sooooooo romantic! Well done, I'm sure it created a wonderful atmosphere and people will remember it for many years.

[Hidden]

Well done Brian.

Peta

[Hidden]

Oh, CornishBrian, that is indeed how you create a lasting memory. Well done

Sandra x x x