Rhiwbina Living

overall lifted feeling of happiness;
it gives a feeling of euphoria so it’s
all associated with a reduction in
stress. In any situation whether it is
under stress or with any physical
ailments, illness, psychological
deprivation, music has the potential
to affect our body and mind.”
Singing Releases Stress
A study in 2017 showed that singing
can help reduce stress levels. The
study took samples of saliva before
and after the participants sang. It
showed that levels of cortisol, the
hormone that is produced as part
of the body's stress response, were
lower after they had belted out a
great tune. This was found to be
true whether the participant was
singing alone or as part of a larger
group.
The only time cortisol levels went
up was when the participants were
performing to a large crowd.
Another direct benefit was
improved lung function. Because of
the improved supply of oxygen via
the lungs, singers often experience
improved moods and greater social
connection with their peers.
A Personal View
Speaking personally and as a
musician who has been singing and
conducting choirs for more than
thirty years, I know that running a
choir is one of the most joyful and
least stressful parts of my work.
The coming together of people.
The control of breathing, the
emotional uplift of the music and
the camaraderie of being with
others with a common purpose -
Stephen Moore, Head of Music,
Llandaff Cathedral leads a
masterclass with Insole Court
you don't have to be a scientist to
know that’s going to be good for
you on every level!
Every rehearsal leaves me feeling
elated and I know that my choristers
feel the same way. And the good
news is that you don’t even need
to be a strong singer to get all the
benefits. Indeed, I suspect that
people that make music for fun
(and not a living) have the most
joyful and carefree experience.
How To Get Involved
If you’re interested in joining a choir,
here are a few questions to ask
yourself:
● What sort of music would you like
to sing? Pop or Classical?
● Can you read music or are you
starting from scratch?
● Would you enjoy singing in other
languages (not just Welsh, many
Singing improves our moods
choirs embrace a lot of different
languages and cultures)?
● How do you feel about
movement - do you fancy a bit of
choreography?
● Would you prefer to go with a
friend?
Local Choirs
wellbeing
Wales has a rich tradition of choral
singing. More specifically, if you
live in the West and North of
Cardiff, there are many excellent
opportunities to sing with
community groups.
For instance, if you enjoy church
music, Llandaff Cathedral has a
community chorus (as well as their
main choir) aimed at the wider
community and not just singing
experts.
Then there’s Gabalfa Community
Chorus, Roath Community Chorus,
The Ardwyn Singers, Rock Choir,
and the charity Tenovus runs Sing
With Us.
The Insole Court Children's
Choir will also be relaunching in
September, aimed at primary school
children aged six and upwards.
The choir is led by Anna Williams, a
hugely experienced music teacher.
For the adults, the Insole Court
Community Choir has been singing
since the house reopened six year
ago. With over 50 members, this
prize-winning choir welcomes
people of all musical abilities. You
don't need to be able to read music
to take part (although they do
provide music and assistance in the
form of backing tracks) and there's
also no audition.
Do your research and find out what
suits you best. Before you know
it, you won't just be singing in the
shower!
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