Singing is the talk of the town this week, and that is music to my ears! Having recently launched a new campaign with Music Teachers Association, I was thrilled to see the latest BBC initiative. So let’s stop and consider why singing matters.
Clearly the BBC agree that singing matters. “Get Singing” is a new resource to get 11-14 year olds singing together in and out of the classroom. Do check out their resources, music and strategies and get singing in your school. But I want to share some of my thoughts on why singing matters, and why I want to see a choir in every school.
Singing for learning
Singing is undoubtedly an incredible tool for learning. Whether in the classroom, or the rehearsal room, singing can be used to impart musical knowledge and understanding. When students sing a melody, they learn about its shape and contour. They internalise intervals, understand scales and begin to see how melody can evoke different emotions. Students can grasp cadences by singing them and understand chords by creating them.
Singing is such a powerful classroom activity because it can involve every student. The goal shouldn’t be to create a perfect sound, but a perfect environment for learning. A well thought through singing activity can unlock key terms and send students away with the key knowledge they require.
Singing for Inclusion
Singing can involve everyone, and it doesn’t rely on anything but a willingness to stand up and have a go. Students can sing without any prior experience, although what student has never sang before. They can also have a go, fail, try again and still feel included. A choir is a group where students can easily slot in, blend in and feel part of something. Inclusion in a choir is an easy win and something that can easily be achieved. Of course not every school choir will be open to all. But I believe that every school needs an inclusive and open choir where every student feels welcome. And singing is essentially free – well at least it can be.
Singing for Social
Singing is a great way of socialising, and a choir is the perfect setting. Schools are busy and chaotic places at times, and the music department can be a safe haven for musicians. Giving them a space to socialise with song will ensure that musicians feel safe and welcome. Using singing as a tool for socialising is a great way of introducing students to singing and the joy of musical ensembles.
Singing for Performance
What would a concert be without a song! I know that I always love to hear a choir sing, and I can’t imagine a school event without one. Singing for performance is so wonderful because it can involve a large number of students, or a smaller ensemble. Different genres can be explored, and there is something about the sound of young people singing. Performing is also a hugely rewarding experience for students. When they stand up and sing, they overcome nerves and develop resilience and courage.
Why Singing Matters
You don’t need me, or even the BBC to tell you that singing matters. But it doesn’t hurt to remember that from time to time. As a teacher it can be hard to run a rehearsal at the end of a long day or during a lunch break. But then the students pour in, they sing, and you are reminded that it is all worth it. Singing is inclusive, fun, sociable and a great vehicle for school performances.
I want to see more singing in schools, and I believe that a choir is a great way to encourage singing. A weekly choir rehearsal will create a community of musicians who will support each other and form bonds for life. A Choir in Every School will mean more singing in schools. But it will also mean a place in every school where students can feel that sense of belonging that only music can provide.
I hope that you will join our campaign and get involved in A Choir in Every School. If you haven’t already, then please sign up for one of our webinars. We can’t do it alone, we won’t do it alone, and a guess the very nature of the word choir is – together.
