Singing is Good For You!

(in the shower, indeed –
but in a chorus with friends, singing together - the best!)

The Keene Cheshiremen Chorus sincerely believes - and can prove - that a mere few hours of your week SINGING with us… is a positive influence in your life. It improves your disposition and helps to relieve the pressure and worries of the day. It opens your mind and allows “the creative juices” to flow. There really is great satisfaction of singing your part, with three others, in barbershop harmony - and ringing chords! Wow!

  • Reduces Stress: reduces the level of cortisol. Increases production of endorphins.

  • Good For Self Confidence. The walls of the shower cabin amplifies the volume of your voice similar to the way the acoustics of a chapel enhances sound.

  • Boosts the Immune system (verified by a 2004 German study) increases antibody production.

  • Improves Breathing abilities. Re-educates us naturally to use abdominal breathing.

  • Relieves Back Pain: we stand straighter, stretch the neck, relax the shoulders. Vocal chords vibrate the sounds inside our whole body, especially in the spine.

  • Keeps the Heart Health: every time we exhale, the heartbeat slows down, signals the brain that everything is fine, activates a state of relaxation.

  • Good for the memory: continuous learning by remember lyrics and/or melodies.

  • Gives a natural Lift to your face: articulating well makes all the facial muscles work.

  • Good for general health: singing increases healing response. British study points to singing in a CHORUS allows cancer patients to increase chances to heal, and/or prolong remission. // (Jan-2025)

PODCAST — Listen to this page, summarized! – HERE > >

 

Barbershop choral singing offers a range of benefits including improved breathing and posture, enhanced social connection, stress reduction, boosted mood, cognitive stimulation, and potential physical health advantages like improved heart health and immune system function, all stemming from the unique vocal technique and collaborative nature of the singing style.

Key benefits:

Social and emotional well-being:

  • Community building: Singing in a barbershop chorus fosters a strong sense of community and belonging due to the collaborative nature of the music.

  • Reduced stress and anxiety: The act of singing together can release endorphins, leading to a feeling of relaxation and well-being.

  • Increased self-esteem: Mastering the complex harmonies of barbershop singing can boost confidence and self-worth.

Physical health benefits:

  • Improved breathing: The vocal exercises involved in barbershop singing enhance lung capacity and diaphragmatic breathing.

  • Better posture: To produce optimal sound, singers must maintain good posture, which can benefit overall body alignment.

  • Cognitive stimulation: Learning and performing barbershop harmonies can engage the brain, potentially improving memory and cognitive function.

Unique aspects of barbershop singing:

  • Complex harmonies: The distinctive barbershop harmony, with its intricate chord structures and close vocal blend, provides a challenging and rewarding musical experience.

  • Vocal development: Practicing barbershop techniques can refine vocal skills like resonance, intonation, and blend.

  • Variety of repertoire: Barbershop music includes a rich selection of songs spanning different eras and styles, offering diverse musical options.