I have found a great way to take a break from real estate. Two years ago, I looked around for something I could do that involved other people and provided an opportunity to give back to my community. I discovered the InCourage Chorus. I like the community that the choir creates and the culminating concert that benefits a local non – profit.
While I’ve learned to play several instruments, I never learned to sing. I missed out on choir while I was in school. Last year I read the book “When” by Daniel Pink. In it he talks about our daily rhythms and the art and science of timing. The thing he most recommends for everyone to do, besides physical exercise, is to join a choir! He listed the benefits of group singing: the synchronization of heart and breath, increased health and longevity, and engaging in an enjoyable activity. Everyone knows about exercise but singing?! I decided to find out what he was talking about.
I joined the InCourage Chorus, a non – religious, non – audition, community song circle. It is currently operating out of Yoga Soup. You don’t have to know how to sing and your voice quality is not compared or ranked. You need no musical knowledge; songs are learned through call and response. That means the choir director raises and lowers their hands to indicate a higher or lower note. Between rehearsals and singing along in my car, I was able to learn the songs. While I was concentrating on learning new songs, harmonies, and methods of keeping tempo, I was able to forget about stresses around work, family, and money.
At the end of each 13 – week season, the chorus presents a fund – raising concert. We choose a local non – profit to receive the proceeds. The May concert benefited New Beginnings. This low – cost counseling center helps people in crisis. I found that singing fosters a sense of caring for the people in the choir,the audience and those who receive the concert proceeds.
The in Courage Chorus offers drop in classes this summer. Their 4 week series of singing, human connection and expressive exploration is on Monday nights, July 8, 15, 22, and 29, from 7 – 8:30 pm. The cost to drop – in is $18 per class or $60 for the 4 weeks. The 13 – week Fall session begins on Monday, August 26. You can contact the chorus leaders at incouragechorus@gmail.com or just show up for class.
For me, making music together creates a sense of awe. You’re in a room with people all breathing in rhythm, their hearts in synch. I am enjoying participating in a chorus. It has become an important balance to my time spent doing business.
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