The Might of Choir
Community. Heart. Optimism. Impact. Ruckus.
Our choir were the opening act for the Milford Music Festival’s set list one drizzly Saturday this summer, and what an emotional roller coaster it was!
From growing anxiety in the weeks (and months) running up to G (Gig) Day, to the meteoric high as a waterproof-clad (it was July!) crowd gathered on the green; whooping, cheering, singing and smiling encouragement.
As we walked off stage, grins wide and hearts hammering, even the summer rain couldn’t dampen our spirits!
What our band of merry singers have learnt over the last few months (of rehearsals) is that this choir of ours – as others will attest – is so much more than glorified karaoke.
None of us signed up because we had an epiphany in the shower, we’d be the next Adele! We’re just women, kids and teens – ranging in age from 8 to 58 - brought together by a love (not necessarily talent!) of singing and a curiosity to try something new.
We never thought we’d inspire (and surprise) teenagers, with our willingness to laugh and the courage to try. One commenting “these women are so free; I don’t feel afraid of growing old anymore!”
It’s empowering as a fifty something to feel we’re showing young people that yes with age come lines, but also a sense of liberation and self.
What we discovered as we practised for our first “gig” is camaraderie. Standing shoulder to shoulder, battling our nerves, grappling for lyrics in our (in some cases) menopause-addled brains, practising hip swings in the kitchen with the pasta bubbling and the dog sighing.
Everyone has his/her/their own story and personal reason for loving choir, ranging from “I get to sing with my mum” to “amazing sense of community” and “lifts my spirits” to “absolute soul food.”
But for many, choir has helped us through difficulty.
Filled a void for Vicks…
“I joined when my daughter left for Uni. I work from home and felt the loss of her presence with a physicality I hadn’t expected. The quiet of our slightly emptier nest hit me like a sack of potatoes, while my teenage son set about discovering independence I discovered singing. Choir has given me a regular hour of release and laughter when there’s literally no chance to dwell on anything else.”
“It’s mindfulness on steroids. Good for the soul.”
Given Lexi confidence….
Lexi used to sing, or rather mime, with the Military Wives, because she didn’t have the confidence to let go, but Candice has taught her to trust her voice and sing out loud. She’s grown so much in confidence she doesn’t even mind getting it wrong. Lexi recently accepted the role of Partner in her GP Practice, something she never would have taken on before choir.
“As a busy single mum and GP, choir is often the only hour in the week I get for myself. Laughter and singing release endorphins, and we get bucket loads with Candice each week! And singing lowers your blood pressure!”
Helped Jane through cancer recovery…
After the agonising Covid years, losing loved ones to the virus and supporting her mum through breast cancer, Jane was diagnosed with her own cancer. She got the all-clear after two rounds of surgery, and in recovery had a list of things to do. “I’d never sung beyond the shower or car, so it felt incredibly brave to step into a choir. But it’s become my moment of escapism each week, of pure joy and community, life seems brighter when we’re laughing and singing.”
“The moments in between rehearsals carried me, giving me a lift as I practised my harmonies and dance moves, whilst washing-up or cooking dinner!”
Rediscovered Varvara’s voice post-divorce…
Varvara has felt more change in the last year of choir than the 3 preceding that navigating divorce. She’d been feeling completely lost, unsure she would ever find herself again. But being with these women has enabled her to express herself, safe in a space where she can be vulnerable, not judged, and reminded she has a voice.
Since starting choir she’s noticed a difference in her whole being. Early on she’d feel quite weepy after rehearsal, it was such an emotional release, but she doesn’t get that now.
“I feel like I’ve found myself again, choir has done loads for me. It’s a support network, that cushioning of being around other women. And OMG I can stand in front of a shed load of people and sing!”
“Being in a choir is empowering, whatever you’re going through, cancer treatment, death, divorce, it’s hard to start with – you might feel vulnerable and alone, assuming you’re the only one going through something big, but as soon as you start, it’s a remedy and meditative in itself.”
And as for our choir leader, the irrepressible South African-born Candice - stickler for timekeeping, effort, energy, excellence and fun – she has pulled us kicking and screaming from our comfort zones, exercised our diaphragms, woken our abs and we couldn’t be more grateful.
If you’re craving community, release, and laughter, go find yourself a choir. You won’t regret it.
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