Why Join Our Choir? Part 1
We think we’re pretty special as a choir. The community, the relaxed atmosphere, the fun; but it’s not just our musical director that says so, our members also do!
Recently we asked them for some feedback, and here’s what they said about why they joined our choir:
“Following a suggestion from my PTSD counsellor to do something outside of my comfort zone. ”
PTSD can be debilitating for those who suffer from it, and music can be a way forward. Research shows that the sound, rhythm and melody of music can provide a structured and soothing experience that taps into these stored emotions, allowing individuals with PTSD to gradually confront and process their traumatic memories. It also provides active engagement in a task which can provide positive distraction and redirect attention from intrusive thoughts and anxiety. Music has the potential to create a safe space where individuals can express, release, and make sense of complicated emotions that may otherwise be difficult to articulate.
“My husband died during the pandemic and I was alone during the lockdowns. I felt I needed to make more social connections for my mental health.”
Evidence of the therapeutic effects of music on the brain continues to accumulate. Neurologically, music activates various regions of the brain, including those involved in emotion, reward, and memory processing. Researchers have discovered that specific types of music can help calm heightened stress responses, regulate heart rate, and reduce anxiety and depression symptoms commonly associated with PTSD.
In addition, studies have shown that engaging in music sessions can enhance overall well-being, increase emotional resilience, and improve interpersonal relationships. These outcomes are especially relevant for individuals with PTSD, who often face social withdrawal, intimacy issues, and feelings of isolation.
“I love singing and it was very local to me. It was good to join a newly formed choir and be part of it from the beginning.”
We strive to create a friendly, open, and welcoming community space. We don’t aim for perfection, but focus on the positives that singing can bring both in our social interactions and our general well being. All sessions, while working to the bigger aim as singing in a group, are based around you as an individual, your own comfort and experience.
Does this sound like a community you’d like to be involved in? Why not come along to a session and try us out? It’s completely free for the first week.
Come and join Wall of Sound and build your community through song.
