How a Choral Music Program Enhances a Student’s Life
The time spent as a high school student, whether in public school, private school or homeschool, is a time of intellectual growth, personal development, and the pursuit of various interests. Among these interests, choral music programs stand out as a transformative and enriching experience for students. Beyond the harmonies and melodies, participation in a choral music program has profound effects on a high school student’s life. In this article, we will explore how choral music programs enhance students’ lives and what a student study in numerous ways.
1. Building Vocal and Musical Skills
At the heart of any choral music program is the development of vocal and musical skills. Students who participate in choir have the opportunity to refine their singing abilities, learn proper vocal techniques, and understand the nuances of music theory. These skills not only contribute to their musical growth but also provide a strong foundation for future exploration of the arts.
2. Enhancing Listening and Interpretation Skills
Choral music requires attentive listening and interpretation. Singers must listen to their fellow choristers, follow the conductor's directions, and interpret the emotions conveyed in the music. This heightened awareness of auditory cues and the ability to interpret complex musical compositions can lead to improved listening skills and a deeper appreciation of music in all its forms. Listening has become a lost art. Choral students learn to listen to hear, not just to respond.
3. Fostering Discipline and Dedication
Choral music programs demand discipline and dedication from their participants. Students must attend rehearsals, practice regularly, and commit to learning and memorizing music. This commitment teaches them the value of persistence and hard work, qualities that are transferable to other aspects of their studies and future endeavors.
Many times students, and people in general, are heard to say, “But, I just can’t find the time to…”. People rarely find the time to do anything. More often than not, the time must be carved from other activities such as being on social media, watching entertainment or other things that, in the end, don’t really contribute to a person’s life. Learning and practicing music will enhance a person’s life far more than any entertainment or other frivolous diversion can.
4. Nurturing a Sense of Unity and Teamwork
Choirs are known for their sense of unity and teamwork. When singers come together to create harmonious music, they experience a profound sense of camaraderie. They must rely on each other, blend their voices, and work as a cohesive unit to achieve musical excellence. This collaborative spirit extends beyond the choir room and can positively influence how students interact with their peers in academic settings and in life.
In some situations, there may even be hand clapping, foot stomping, swaying or outright dancing associated with the music. This would take even more coordination and would be on par with a marching band playing, marching and moving to the music at the same time.
5. Developing Confidence and Stage Presence
Performing in front of an audience is a central aspect of choral music programs. As students gain experience singing in public, they build confidence and stage presence. This newfound self-assurance can extend to other areas of their lives, including public speaking, leadership roles, and social interactions.
6. Exploring Cultural Diversity
Choral music often includes a diverse range of compositions from different cultures and time periods. Through the study and performance of such music, students are exposed to a wealth of cultural diversity. This exposure can broaden their horizons, foster cultural awareness, and promote an appreciation for the richness of God’s gifts of creativity and expression.
7. Encouraging Emotional Expression
Music is a powerful medium for emotional expression, and choral singing allows students to tap into their emotions and convey them through song. They learn to express a wide range of feelings, from joy and celebration to sadness and introspection, without the need for words. This emotional outlet can be therapeutic and help students better understand and manage their own emotions.
Medical and psychological research has discovered that not only are endorphins, the “feel-good” chemical in the brain, released during exercise and expressions of happiness, but that acknowledging sorrow and pain also release them. Singing, therefore , can be good for one’s health.
8. Improving Memory and Cognitive Skills
Learning and memorizing complex musical compositions can significantly improve memory and cognitive skills. The process of memorization challenges students to strengthen their memory retention, concentration, and problem-solving abilities. When singers memorizes the music, they can concentrate on the presentation, diction, phrasing, dynamics and other elements of the song. These cognitive benefits can extend to their academic performance in other subjects, enhancing their overall learning experience.
9. Encouraging Lifelong Musical Engagement
Participation in a choral music program often instills a lifelong love of music. Many students who sing in school choirs continue to engage with music throughout their lives, whether through community choirs, church choirs, or simply as a personal hobby. This enduring connection to music can bring joy and fulfillment to their lives, enriching their overall quality of life.
Having studied and performed music, students will have a better understanding of the music they listen to and often will acquire music tastes that include selections that are much better art than the pablum of contemporary top forty radio fare.
10. Promoting Personal Growth and Self-Expression
Finally, choral music programs provide students with a platform for personal growth and self-expression. Singing allows individuals to convey their unique voices and emotions, helping them develop a strong sense of identity and self-worth. It encourages them to express themselves authentically, which can be a valuable skill in both their personal and professional lives.
In conclusion, choral music programs enhance a student’s studies in multifaceted ways, from building vocal and musical skills to fostering discipline, teamwork, and emotional expression. The benefits of participating in a choral group extend beyond the realm of music, positively influencing students' personal and academic development. Generally, studying and performing music also builds synapses in the brain to allow for more complex thought. As students raise their voices in song, they embark on a journey that not only enriches their learning experience but also equips them with valuable skills and qualities for a lifetime of success and fulfillment.
Salt Cellar Creations understands the benefits of singing in a choral group and has a growing library of original works and arrangements that enable a choral group to sound its best. Explore the offerings HERE.
SCC can also compose an original piece for you or do a custom arrangement for you. There are two ways that this can be done; one is much more affordable than the other. And SCC is always looking for ideas of pieces to arrange or suggestions for original pieces.
We have sold music not only in the US but in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and New Zealand. Please CONTACT US to let us know what we can do for you!