Singing Satire

English IV
28 January 2014
Choir: More than a fun activity. Its first period and I’m not quite awake yet. It’s too early for conversation and too early to think. As my classroom fills up all the girls greet me because we all know each other in this class. We've become like a little family of crazy giggling girls, and I’m like the Soprano I section leader here in the Women’s Honor Choir as well as the only senior. The bell rings and we get to singing, and something magical happens- well, “magical” probably wasn't the best word to use since there wasn't any sorcery at work here. The better word would be something like “neurological”. Yes, something neurological happens and it’s quite simple really- I wake up. Not only do I wake
up but I enjoy being awake at 7:30 in the morning. This is because music is awash with neurochemical rewards for working up the courage to sing. That rush or “singer’s high” comes in part through a surge of endorphins that reduce pain. I’m here today to show you how choir can influence a person’s life showing physical, emotional, and social benefits of the activity. When you first think of choir you don’t think of all the muscles you have to use to produce a good sound. Singing tones muscles in your face as well as abdominal, intercostal, your diaphragm, and exercises your lungs in a way that you probably don’t usually use them: breathing deep and openly. In my four years of participating in multiple choirs here at Independence, I can say that the many vocal warm ups and songs I've performed has greatly increased my lung capacity. Another great physical perk are endorphins released when singing that help you forget about your hurt ankle, tooth, or bruised ego. An endorphin is a natural pain reliever that creates feelings of euphoria or a natural high produced by the body in response to a number of factors. Examples of when endorphins release include when you divulge into a bite of chocolate, share a good laugh with some friends, finish the run that always gets your blood pumping, and when you sing. Speaking of endorphins, why do you think singing makes you so happy? All types of singing have positive psychological effects, but it’s choral singing that seems to have the most dramatic effect on people’s lives. In 2008, Australia did a study where they asked choral singers to rate their satisfaction on life. Not surprisingly, they rated themselves higher than the Australian public did, even when faced against problems that were more substantial than those faced by the general public. (MacLean) Even when I’m having a bad bay singing lifts me up to cloud nine where I can forget all my troubles, and when you share your voice and music a fantastic thing happens. It’s like you’re walking through fire. You overcome fear, and emerge with an incredible sense of accomplishment. Your self-esteem soars and you feel like you could do anything. For those that are still skeptical of the power of singing, just take a look at songbirds: when male songbirds sing to females, it activates the pleasure center of the male’s brain. In fact, scientists have discovered that the effect of singing on avian brains has a similar effect of that to addictive drugs on the human brain. But here’s the catch: that effect doesn't happen when the birds are singing alone. (Layton) That sentiment proves the notion that some of the most important ties between happiness are social ones.
The support system of being in a group gets people out of the house and into chorus every week which is just one of the benefits that is specific to group singing and is the key part of why choral singers are reportedly happier than people who aren't choral singers. This joyousness that choral singers find in singing has been found in many cultures for many generations. There is a strong amount of nations where the mothers singing to their young seems common thread among the world- that would be the reason every nation has at least one lullaby. In fact, in the Women's Honor Choir we are singing "All the Pretty Horses", a Traditional American lullaby written from the perspective mother or caretaker singing a baby to sleep, promising that when the child wakes he or she "shall have all the pretty little horses". When we sing songs from diverse cultures and time periods we gain opportunities to learn about the cultures of others, and gain a better understanding of our own cultures and history. Another social virtue that chorus members embark on the path to would be empathy. Empathy or otherwise known as identifying oneself completely with an object or person, (Dictionary.com) is first reached by learning how to subsume into a group consciousness, immersing one's self into the community, which is something that is ultimately learned by any member in any choir. That’s one of the great feelings- that moment when we're performing and I get to stop being 'me' for a while so I can become 'us' feels great being a part of something bigger than
myself. Overall anyone can see the benefits choir can bring you whether it brings you physical, emotional, or social advantages. Choir has benefited me in a way no one could even imagine within all three of the effect areas, and helped me with my future and even landed me an invitation to sing with America’s top touring honor band and chorus, “The sound of America” that tours during the summer over six countries in Europe. Chorus brings me tremendous opportunities along with the personal benefits and mood enhancers, so sing whenever you can. Or at least sing when you’re feeling down to cheer up, sing in the shower, sing in the car and sing with others, because why wouldn't you participate in something so beneficial?
Works cited http://barbershop.org/news-a-events-main/291-health-benefits-of-singing.html http://www.moresingingplease.com/benefits-of-singing

http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/singing-happy.htm

http://news.smh.com.au/national/choral-singing-makes-you-happy-survey-20080710-3cyg.html