We who sing with Whidbey Chamber Singers would all agree that music is good for body, mind and soul and that uniting with others in song is an amazing experience. In our rehearsal, Artistic Director/Conductor Robert W. Prosch is (sometimes constantly when we are wayward and errant!) admonishing us to "Blend!" In fact, when we begin each rehearsal warming up our lungs/throats/ears/mouths/vocal chords with various vocalise exercises, we typically end up holding a single, intentionally-formed vowel in a sustained chord. Which we then modulate up and down a scale, each time acutely listening to hear if we are truly all of once voice. When we hit that sweet spot, we not only hear it but feel the vibration in our faces and bodies. It is an amazing moment when all voice lock in to each other, connecting each person deeply through the fact of resonant harmonics!
Below is a link to a little piece by NPR that highlight the benefits of singing. The author, Brian Eno, declares the following:
"I believe that singing is the key to long life, a good figure, a stable temperament, increased intelligence, new friends, super self-confidence, heightened sexual attractiveness and a better sense of humor."
Not too bad for a little resonant action! For this Chamber Singer, the experience of opening up into the group and joining in song is nothing short of transcendent. There's the personal gain of challenging myself to expand my vocal and musical capacities, of adding notes to my vocal range and greater awareness and precision to my ear. Then there's the group experience: Though it may be obvious, it is worth stating that a group of voices can create a harmonic envelop that one voice simply cannot. When we sing together, we create a whole that is much greater than the sum of its parts--a whole that requires each and every voice but that carries each singer to a new place when the "sweet spot" is found.
Here is the link to Brian Eno's thoughts about singing together: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97320958
Enjoy!
Sheila Weidendorf,
WCS Soprano
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