Choirs said to promote health and social benefits

With new clubs continually springing up in schools and local communities, it is no surprise that we are beginning to learn all about the social, educational and health benefits that singing in a choir can have.
Singing has often been touted as a great place to develop lifelong skills and act as acreative output for individuals. Sheri McKelfresh, director of the Centennial Children’s Chorus in the US, told the Coloradoan newspaper that children who participate in music programmes were able to develop skills which would be important in other areas of life as well.
“It’s such a wonderful tool for self-expression,” Ms McKelfresh said. “If [choral music] has lasted for 500 years, there’s got to be something good about it. It really helps children to learn not only about their current history and culture, but just about cultures in years past and all around the world.”
Ms McKelfresh was speaking ahead of a summer choir festival which aims to bring children together to celebrate music and spread the benefits which it can have on everyday life. The event provides young people with lessons on breathing and singing techniques which should set them up well for further education.
“It’s a really wonderful tool for kids to meet other people and to share a common language [music] with them. Music can be part of your life whether it’s your main focus or whether it’s there for your pleasure or your creative outlet,” Ms McKelfresh told the news provider. “It’s something that never leaves you.”
Why do you think that singing in choirs has become a more popular pastime for individuals?