Singing in Claygate
SINGING TOGETHER GIVES HEALTH BOOST
Singing has been proved to benefit both physical and mental well-being – and it’s fun, especially when you sing with others in a local choir, such as Vocality in Claygate. It works to lower stress, as well as improving breathing and lung capacity and some studies suggest it can improve posture and even reduce snoring. Singing has also been linked to reducing symptoms of depression and soothing emotional pain, including grief.
Being part of a team can also give a sense of purpose and belonging, motivating people to be active. We often have people telling us at Vocality: “I really didn’t feel like coming out this evening, but I’m so glad I did.”
In his health podcast, “Just One Thing”, Dr Michael Mosley has found the same: “Studies suggest that belng out a tune and singing in a choir can enhance your mood, your immune system, your blood pressure, and reduce chronic pain.” Studies by University College London’s Department of Psychobiology and Epidemiology have found that singing can reduce cortisol levels and stress; some GPs are even prescribing singing for a range of conditions.
In April 2022, Verywell Mind, a mental health and wellness platform, also stated that music may be just as powerful as exercise in improving mental health. And a study published by the Royal Society in 2015, entitled “The Ice-Breaker Effect: Singing Mediates Fast Social Bonding”, compared bonding between participants in singing groups and other adult education groups, such as crafts or creative writing.
By the seventh month, the groups of singers and non-singers all felt connected, with comparable well-being, but singers bonded much faster within the first month. The researchers said: “This represents the first evidence for an ‘ice-breaker effect’ of singing in promong fast cohesion between unfamiliar individuals...We argue that singing may have evolved to quickly bond large human groups of relative strangers.”
We see this effect repeatedly at Vocality and our members talk of a great sense of well-being and achievement. Our singers learn songs by ear, led by fantastic choir leader, Tom Chapman, and then we practise at home using tailormade tracks for each voice part.
Vocality meets at Holy Trinity Church every Tuesday from 8pm to 9.30pm during school term me. We don’t audition and there is no need to read music. We welcome new members, and are especially keen to recruit more lower voices, so why not come and see how singing together makes you feel? Email catherine@vocalitysinging.co.uk or visit www.vocalitysinging.co.uk.
CHOIR PRESENTS ETHEREAL ECHOES OF HANDEL
The Baroque brilliance of Handel's music will transport the audience at the Claygate Choral Society's next concert in March. The ethereal echoes of “Sing unto God” will be complemented by the celestial beauty of Schubert's Mass in C, which intertwines spiritual depth with the rich tapestry of the choir's voices.
The choir will also present Carl Nielsen's “Fynsk Forår” (Springtime in Funen), which will be a delightful contrast. Under the skilful direction of conductor Tim Sandford, the choir and orchestra will present this full and exciting repertoire at Holy Trinity Church in Claygate on Saturday March 23 at 7.30 pm. The choir will be accompanied by an orchestra of accomplished musicians and professional soloists. Gareth Giles, the resident accompanist, will add his virtuosity on organ and piano.
The choir, a vibrant community of around 50 local members, brings a diverse range of voices together for a compelling and resonant musical experience. Their dedication and passion promises to captivate the audience. Claygate Choral Society is thrilled to have been invited to perform the same concert at the Danish Church in Regents Park on Sunday April 21. This underscores the choir's versatility and dedication to spreading the joy of music beyond local boundaries.
If you enjoy singing and would like to join a friendly choir, come along to Friday evening rehearsals at Holy Trinity Church Hall in Claygate. No auditions required! See the website for more details: www.claygatechoralsociety.co.uk
