EDUCATION :: APRIL/MAY 2007
Why Do We Sing?
Singing, perhaps the most personal form of musical expression, serves as an emotional and expressive outlet, and as a source of entertainment and recreation for millions of persons throughout the world. Whether singing by oneself, in a choir, on the operatic or musical theater stage, or in the shower, singing can help us to touch and to clarify our emotions and lived experiences. Through performance, or listening to a performance, singing offers us an opportunity to creatively express those emotions and life experiences to others. In addition, singing is a naturally expressive and creative activity that is simply a most enjoyable experience and can be a wonderful social activity. Singing brings people together in a manner unlike many social and/or artistic activities.
The benefits of singing include:
- Singing encourages good body posture and graceful carriage.
- Singing might help general health by promoting deep breathing and the physical development of the lungs.
- Singing stretches the imagination and animates the mind.
- Singing increases poise, self confidence, and develops character by overcoming difficulties and challenges.
- Singing provides a worthwhile opportunity for self-expression of emotion.
- Singing strengthens power of concentration and the ability to memorize.
- Singing acquaints one with various cultures.
- Singing can provide the opportunity to contribute service in the school, home, church, and community.
The following quote is from the manual of the American Academy of Teachers of Singing: "Singing fortifies health, widens cultural awareness, refines intelligence, enriches the imagination, makes for happiness and endows life with added zest." Robert Shaw also wrote: "In a world of political, economic, and personal disintegration, music is not a luxury but a necessity -- not simply because it is therapeutic nor because it is the "universal language" but because it is the persistent focus of man's intelligence, aspiration, and good will."
Dr. Michael Larkin is known as a singer, teacher, conductor, and composer. Dr. Larkin serves as chairperson of the Vocal/Choral Department and as an artist faculty voice teacher at The Wilmington Music School. He is also an internationally recognized composer with over 200 choral and piano compositions in print with most of the nation’s major publishing houses.
For over 20 years, WMS has been home to the leading youth choral training programs in our area and now operates programs for singers from age six to adult. The Wilmington Music School offers the following choral programs: Wilmington Youth Chorale, Delaware Children’s Chorus, Select Choral Ensemble, Delaware Women’s Chorus and offers private instruction year round.
Please call for a schedule of public performances or enrollment details, 302-762-1132 or stop by or visit our website: The Wilmington Music School, 4101 Washington St., Wilmington, DE 19802, www.wilmingtonmusic.org.
