What is it with singing?

5th October 2012

Anyone who has not sung in a choir will be bemused by the prominence of Gareth Malone on the television. Why has everyone suddenly gone mad on choral singing?

As a member of a choir since I was tiny, I can tell you there is nothing like it. Sport is great and nourishes the body, but singing nourishes the spirit. To stand up and sing in a group is incredibly rewarding and personally fulfilling, even without any audience enjoyment (and that does happen sometimes!).

Ever since I became a teacher I have loved taking a choir. When a group of boys (it’s always been boys’ choirs) learns a piece well, sings it out and really starts to enjoy the music and the performance, there is nothing so exciting you will ever hear. And boys whom you would imagine to be reticent or shy can suddenly surprise you and sing their hearts out.

So as I take the choir rehearsal today, I’m reminded yet again of what is so wonderful about schools: the joy of taking part.