“Group singing has been scientifically proven to lower stress, relieve anxiety and elevate endorphins,” says author Stacy Horn in Imperfect Harmony: How Singing With Others Changes Your Life.
“Singing as part of a choir has the same calming health benefits as yoga,” agrees Sarah Rainey of the Daily Telegraph.
There is also a riveting article in the 2015 March/April issue of Scientific American MIND that states, “New therapies are using rhythm, beat and melody to help patients with brain disorders recover language, hearing, motion and emotion.”
So apparently singing in a choir is not only good for your body and soul, it also heals the brain and has an incredible power to life mood and build connection.
Choir members who sing together have synchronized heart beats; singing is beneficial to those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s; people who suffer from blocked airways and ravaged lungs; patients recovering from strokes. Studies abound showing the physical, neurological and psychological benefits of singing. Not singing in the shower on your own – although that is also wonderful –but singing in the joyful company of others. Singing together builds community.
And it is fun.
If you are craving an added boost of ‘feel good’ hormones floating gleefully through your body, join Sing For Pure Joy! Song Circle.
This is a safe, non-judgmental circle where all voices are welcome. No experience is needed - only the desire to make joyful sounds to help access and express the profound joy and beauty at our core.
No written music is used. All songs are taught in the traditional method of call and response.
Raise your voice in glorious song with heart-felt melodies, soulful gospel songs and rousing spirituals, meditative chants, luscious layered songs and robust rounds. Songs from the sublime to the ridiculous.
Sing For Pure Joy! meets at The Lions Den (across from Thrifty Foods) on Wednesday afternoons from 3 to 4:30 p.m..
The winter/spring term runs Feb 22 to May 31.
The fee for the term is $120 or $10 drop-in. There is a sliding scale by request.
Please contact Mary Dennison by email at singforpurejoy@gmail.com or by phone at 250-285-3764 or 250-202-1003.