Fantastic performance by all at Chloe's wedding last weekend, well done.
We're on half term hols this week, back on Tuesday June 7th. Hope to see you all there - and some new faces as well!
Monday, 30 May 2011
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Yes, but *why* does singing make you feel good?
10 reasons why singing is good for you…
If you love to sing, then you’re already aware that singing is fun, energizing and a great stress reducer. But if you’re one of millions who claim ”can’t sing!” then I suggest that you consider singing as an absolutely free, non-prescription, safe and effective life-enhancing tool. If you’re facing physical, emotional or mental challenges, or if you just want more peace and happiness, here are 10 ways singing can change your life!
1. Promotes deep breathing!
As you begin to use “full body breathing” with a relaxed, soft belly, you allow the diaphragm to drop down, giving the lungs the freedom to expand more fully. Relaxed abdominals are essential for proper breath support while singing. I like to think of “filling up like a balloon” when I sing. This gives firm, active breath support and allows for deep, full breathing. Singing promotes slow, deep, healthy breathing.
2. Oxygenates the blood!
As you use full body breathing, you are bringing in a greater volume of air. Oxygen floods the blood system, bathing the cells in life-giving oxygen. You will feel more alive as you breath deeply and fill yourself with energizing, oxygenated air! Singing oxygenates the blood!
3. Stimulates brain activity!
Singing requires thought. You are memorizing lyrics, melodies and rhythms, as well as connecting words with emotion. Your “singer’s breathing” technique is bringing more oxygen to the brain. Your brain’s neurons are firing furiously as you are integrating the physical, emotional and psychological functions necessary to joyful singing! Singing stimulates brain activity!
4. Releases “feel good” endorphins!
All this physical, neurological and emotional activity serves to release those “feel- good” hormones called endorphins. So not only is your audience benefiting from your lovely voice, but you are being flooded with happy hormones that give you a sense of peace and well-being. Singing feels fantastic because it releases “feel good” endorphins!
5. Reduces stress!
When you feel good, your stress level goes down. Endorphins help diminish stress and agitation. By using deep, full body breathing you slow the heart rate and take your mind off of unwanted anxiety. The next time you feel stressed or overwhelmed, take a full body breath, and break out singing! Your stress will fly away as you reap the benefit of joyful singing!
6. Builds self-confidence!
Speaking in public is still the #1 fear for Americans. Singing ranks right up there for most of us. Singing is a risk-taking behaviour because you’re putting yourself out there in a very exposed way. It dredges up all our insecurities and self-imposed limitations. When you dare to share your voice and music, a fantastic thing happens. It’s like walking through fire. You overcome your fear, and emerge with an incredible sense of accomplishment. You did it! Your self-esteem soars and you feel that you can do anything! Singing builds self-confidence in a BIG way!
7. Enhances memory!
Singing involves memorization as you learn new melodies, lyrics and complex musical forms. It’s a great way to stimulate the areas of the brain involved with memory, learning and concentration. Use it, or lose it! Singing is a great way to enhance your memory!
8. Boosts creativity!
As you build your self-esteem and stimulate your artistic soul, you’ll find that all areas of your life are positively affected by the act of singing. Suddenly you’ve opened the floodgates of your creative soul, and you begin thinking outside the box! Your productivity soars! By tapping into your creative reservoir you become more alive and innovative! Singing boosts creativity!
9. Creates a powerful speaking voice!
If you’re a speaker, presenter, teacher, clergy or in any sales related business (aren’t we all??), you will benefit from learning to sing. Your voice is your instrument, no matter what you do in life, and singing gives you the skills to speak in a natural, powerful, confident voice. Everyone benefits from proper singing technique. You’ll discover your “true” voice that will reveal your confident, authentic self. Finding your voice is a joy. Singing creates a powerful speaking voice!
10. Makes you feel fantastic!
Singing makes you feel self-assured, in control, physically alive and fantastically creative. It feeds your soul as it creates physical well-being. With increased self- confidence you can do anything! Physical, mental and emotional health is a great side effect of singing. There’s no doubt about it, singing makes you feel fantastic!
If you love to sing, then you’re already aware that singing is fun, energizing and a great stress reducer. But if you’re one of millions who claim ”can’t sing!” then I suggest that you consider singing as an absolutely free, non-prescription, safe and effective life-enhancing tool. If you’re facing physical, emotional or mental challenges, or if you just want more peace and happiness, here are 10 ways singing can change your life!
1. Promotes deep breathing!
As you begin to use “full body breathing” with a relaxed, soft belly, you allow the diaphragm to drop down, giving the lungs the freedom to expand more fully. Relaxed abdominals are essential for proper breath support while singing. I like to think of “filling up like a balloon” when I sing. This gives firm, active breath support and allows for deep, full breathing. Singing promotes slow, deep, healthy breathing.
2. Oxygenates the blood!
As you use full body breathing, you are bringing in a greater volume of air. Oxygen floods the blood system, bathing the cells in life-giving oxygen. You will feel more alive as you breath deeply and fill yourself with energizing, oxygenated air! Singing oxygenates the blood!
3. Stimulates brain activity!
Singing requires thought. You are memorizing lyrics, melodies and rhythms, as well as connecting words with emotion. Your “singer’s breathing” technique is bringing more oxygen to the brain. Your brain’s neurons are firing furiously as you are integrating the physical, emotional and psychological functions necessary to joyful singing! Singing stimulates brain activity!
4. Releases “feel good” endorphins!
All this physical, neurological and emotional activity serves to release those “feel- good” hormones called endorphins. So not only is your audience benefiting from your lovely voice, but you are being flooded with happy hormones that give you a sense of peace and well-being. Singing feels fantastic because it releases “feel good” endorphins!
5. Reduces stress!
When you feel good, your stress level goes down. Endorphins help diminish stress and agitation. By using deep, full body breathing you slow the heart rate and take your mind off of unwanted anxiety. The next time you feel stressed or overwhelmed, take a full body breath, and break out singing! Your stress will fly away as you reap the benefit of joyful singing!
6. Builds self-confidence!
Speaking in public is still the #1 fear for Americans. Singing ranks right up there for most of us. Singing is a risk-taking behaviour because you’re putting yourself out there in a very exposed way. It dredges up all our insecurities and self-imposed limitations. When you dare to share your voice and music, a fantastic thing happens. It’s like walking through fire. You overcome your fear, and emerge with an incredible sense of accomplishment. You did it! Your self-esteem soars and you feel that you can do anything! Singing builds self-confidence in a BIG way!
7. Enhances memory!
Singing involves memorization as you learn new melodies, lyrics and complex musical forms. It’s a great way to stimulate the areas of the brain involved with memory, learning and concentration. Use it, or lose it! Singing is a great way to enhance your memory!
8. Boosts creativity!
As you build your self-esteem and stimulate your artistic soul, you’ll find that all areas of your life are positively affected by the act of singing. Suddenly you’ve opened the floodgates of your creative soul, and you begin thinking outside the box! Your productivity soars! By tapping into your creative reservoir you become more alive and innovative! Singing boosts creativity!
9. Creates a powerful speaking voice!
If you’re a speaker, presenter, teacher, clergy or in any sales related business (aren’t we all??), you will benefit from learning to sing. Your voice is your instrument, no matter what you do in life, and singing gives you the skills to speak in a natural, powerful, confident voice. Everyone benefits from proper singing technique. You’ll discover your “true” voice that will reveal your confident, authentic self. Finding your voice is a joy. Singing creates a powerful speaking voice!
10. Makes you feel fantastic!
Singing makes you feel self-assured, in control, physically alive and fantastically creative. It feeds your soul as it creates physical well-being. With increased self- confidence you can do anything! Physical, mental and emotional health is a great side effect of singing. There’s no doubt about it, singing makes you feel fantastic!
Friday, 13 May 2011
Togetherness
What does community mean?
Last week before choir rehearsals began, I was so pleased to be having a chat with someone I hadn’t seen face to face for quite some time. The joy was, fo me, that there was a true sense of pleasure in this conversation and the prospect of many more to come and if it wasn’t for the choir I wouldn’t have a clue who this person was and for that matter who most people are who live so close by. We live in a world where we can connect in so many ways but I don’t know most of the people in my street. Tottenham Community Choir has helped me meet and get to know wonderful people and help make the place I live feel like home. Some don't come to choir anymore but I still feel connected to them.
I grew up in a very small town and you knew most people's faces and most names too. Having been a member of the choir I get some sense of that 'small town' walking around Tottenham and strolling in the park I nearly always get a smile from someone I know.
Is community knowing people, recognising each other and not feeling alone or isolated?
Last week before choir rehearsals began, I was so pleased to be having a chat with someone I hadn’t seen face to face for quite some time. The joy was, fo me, that there was a true sense of pleasure in this conversation and the prospect of many more to come and if it wasn’t for the choir I wouldn’t have a clue who this person was and for that matter who most people are who live so close by. We live in a world where we can connect in so many ways but I don’t know most of the people in my street. Tottenham Community Choir has helped me meet and get to know wonderful people and help make the place I live feel like home. Some don't come to choir anymore but I still feel connected to them.
I grew up in a very small town and you knew most people's faces and most names too. Having been a member of the choir I get some sense of that 'small town' walking around Tottenham and strolling in the park I nearly always get a smile from someone I know.
Is community knowing people, recognising each other and not feeling alone or isolated?
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Books and Singing go hand in hand
You have probably heard me banging on in rehearsal about the Big Green Bookshop in Wood Green, the various events they put on and how supportive of us they have been over the past year. Oh you haven't? Do you not listen when I talk? I am hurt, choir, I am hurt.
Anyways, the Big Green Bookshop is run by three lovely guys called Tim, Simon and Mark and is something of an institution in the Wood Green locale - not only do they know their eggs where books are concerned but they also run lots of events like quizzes, readings, comedy nights, writers groups and knitting circles. Something for everyone there. No, well how about story time for your littluns or boardgame Sundays?
If you haven't been to visit the bookshop, make a deal with yourself to do it and do it soon. Tea and biscuits are generally on the go and the staff and customers are always up for a natter, book-related or not.
It's so important that independent shops like this one are cherished, so do your bit for our community and buy a book from them.
I'll cry if you don't.
Website: http://www.biggreenbookshop.com
Blog: http://woodgreenbookshop.blogspot.com
Tara
Anyways, the Big Green Bookshop is run by three lovely guys called Tim, Simon and Mark and is something of an institution in the Wood Green locale - not only do they know their eggs where books are concerned but they also run lots of events like quizzes, readings, comedy nights, writers groups and knitting circles. Something for everyone there. No, well how about story time for your littluns or boardgame Sundays?
If you haven't been to visit the bookshop, make a deal with yourself to do it and do it soon. Tea and biscuits are generally on the go and the staff and customers are always up for a natter, book-related or not.
It's so important that independent shops like this one are cherished, so do your bit for our community and buy a book from them.
I'll cry if you don't.
Website: http://www.biggreenbookshop.com
Blog: http://woodgreenbookshop.blogspot.com
Tara
Monday, 2 May 2011
What you'll be missing
It's horrible when you can't make a rehearsal, I get a sense that I've missed out. Life can get in the way of life though, can't it?
I look around and some faces really make the choir for me... I miss them. The problem is some faces are so familiar and yet I'm not 100% sure I know the names.
Should we have a name amnesty?
Which leads me to our wonderful MD, in a very short amount of time he has made a real effort to learn our names and he seems to know us as singers so well. Things feel so great and so positive right now. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every rehearsal of late.
Our sound keeps getting better and better; so when I’m not there I’m missing you.
I look around and some faces really make the choir for me... I miss them. The problem is some faces are so familiar and yet I'm not 100% sure I know the names.
Should we have a name amnesty?
Which leads me to our wonderful MD, in a very short amount of time he has made a real effort to learn our names and he seems to know us as singers so well. Things feel so great and so positive right now. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every rehearsal of late.
Our sound keeps getting better and better; so when I’m not there I’m missing you.
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