I always say that the Ebell Chorale is the oldest continuously performing women’s chorale in Los Angeles and I’ve never been proven wrong! We are an Ebell institution, supported by our membership for many, many years.
Some of us have been singing together for more than 15 years. Our ages range from 40s to late 80s, working and retired. Some have not sung since high school. One is a professional jazz singer. One played accordion on The Lawrence Welk Show at age nine. One is a published author. Another a caterer. Just lots of different, and interesting, backgrounds.
Many times following a Chorale concert, people will approach me with positive feedback, and also with a half-stated desire to sing with us. I always encourage everyone to give it a try.
I never have time to express ALL the reasons why I sing. The main reason is that it is FUN, but there are many other benefits: physical, psychological and social.
Physical benefits
1. Singing is a workout! Just ask anyone at the end of rehearsal. Your lungs, diaphragm and circulation get stronger. You pull in more oxygen and improve your aerobic capacity.
2. Singing improves your posture! As your lungs expand, your shoulders and back straighten. Perfect posture can become a habit!
3. Singing helps you get better sleep. Strengthening your throat and palate muscles can help stop snoring and sleep apnea. Nothing beats a good night’s sleep!
Psychological and Emotional Benefits
4. Singing is a natural anti-depressant! Singing releases endorphins—the feel-good chemical that makes you feel uplifted and happy.
5. Singing lowers stress levels. Music is relaxing, and singing relaxes stored muscle tension.
6. Singing improves mental alertness. And which of us does not need this??? Improved blood circulation and an oxygenated blood stream allow more oxygen to reach the brain
Social Benefits of Singing
7. Singing can widen your circle of friends. This is an unexpected benefit of singing. The bonds you create are profound because when you sing together a level of trust and intimacy occurs. We share lunch after each rehearsal, providing an extra opportunity to get to know each other.
8. Singing boosts your confidence. Yes, part of the experience is standing up in front of people and singing for their pleasure (and judgment!). Performing your part well can make you more confident in other situations.
9. Singing improves your communications skills. That’s why mothers sing to babies. And a good chorale communicates to the audience something more than the words — it communicates the feeling behind the words.
10. Singing increases your ability to appreciate other singers. Whether they be opera singers, a pop singer on the radio or the guy in the shower, you’ll have a deeper appreciation of their skills.
Still not convinced? What about free lunch? Lunch is free every day except the day that you host it. Need more convincing? We get warm fuzzy feelings by providing community outreach at local retirement homes and at the LA County Hospital.
We’re looking for women who love music, can match pitch and, if they can’t read music, are willing to do some homework. Rehearsals start again on Tuesday, September 20 from 10:30 to 12:30 in the President’s Tea Room on the 3rd floor. If you can’t make this date, just drop in to any of our rehearsals until October 18. We’re saving a chair for you!
Feel free to email Jane Martin for more information.
