Have you been on the fence about joining the music ministry? Did you know that research studies indicate that there seem to be some health benefits from participating in musical ensembles?

Benefits of singing in a choir:

1. Relieves stress Singing appears to be a stress-reliever. Researchers found in a 2017 study amount of cortisol of study participants was lower after singing.

2. Stimulates the immune response There’s some evidence that singing may boost the body’s immune system and help you fight off illnesses.

3. Increases pain threshold Collective singing causes your body to release endorphins, the hormone that helps promote positive feelings and changes perception of pain.

4. May improve snoring Regular singing may change the way you breathe, and researchers have found that significantly fewer choir members snored. This led them to recommend regular singing as a potential treatment for snoring. (Do you need to encourage your spouse or partner to join choir?

5. Improves lung function Because singing involves deep breathing and the controlled use of respiratory muscles, it may be beneficial for certain lung and breathing conditions such as asthma. Singing also increases the amount of oxygen in your blood.

6. Develops a sense of belonging and connection When you sing together with others, you’re likely to feel the same kind of camaraderie and bonding experienced by players on sports teams. In a 2014 study, involving 11,258 schoolchildren, researchers found that children in a singing and musical engagement program developed a strong sense of community and social inclusion. Singing in a group helps your body release the bonding hormone, oxytocin and helps support a feeling of connectedness and well-being.

7. Enhances memory in people with dementia Studies have shown that people with cognitive memory loss conditions were able to recall song lyrics more easily than other words. In one singing study by the Alzheimer’s Foundation, participants said it was “nice to be able to remember something.” However, the singers found they remembered more than just the lyrics. For some, singing familiar songs suddenly brought back life memories they’d forgotten, too. Researchers found that singing songs learned at a younger age caused a spontaneous return of autobiographical details for many people.

8. Helps with grief Singing in a group doesn’t just help you with physical pain; it may also help with the emotional pain you feel after you’ve lost someone you love.

Benefits of community hand drumming:

If singing is truly not your thing, here are some health benefits of being part of a hand drumming ensemble:

1. Induces deep relaxation and reduces stress by promoting the production of endorphins.

2. Synchronizes both hemispheres of the brain Rhythmic drumming is a powerful tool that permeates the entire brain. The sound of drumming generates neuron connections in all parts of the brain, even where there is damage or impairment. The process of drumming engages both the linear, rational left side of the brain and intuitive right side of the brain. Repeated right hand/left hand patterns brings the two hemispheres into synchronization, creating feelings of euphoria (similar to meditation or the “runner’s high).

3. Builds community connection Drumming together breaks down barriers, builds personal and team confidence, releases stress, motivates, and creates spontaneity.

4. An excellent form of exercise Besides burning calories, drumming increases blood flow and helps regulate blood pressure.

2024-2025 Music Ministry Rehearsal Schedule:

Starting September 3rd:

• Tuesdays: 5:00-5:30 p.m. Cherub Choir (4 years old through 1st grade)

Starting September 4th:

• Wednesdays: 6:00-7:15 p.m. Parish Ringers (handbell ensemble for adults)
• Wednesdays: 7:30-8:45 p.m. Adult Choir (open to all post high school singers)

Starting September 5th:

• Thursdays: 4:30-5:00 p.m. Westminster Choir (6th through 12th grades)
• Thursdays: 5:05-5:35 p.m. Junior Choir (2nd through 5th grades)
• Thursdays: 5:45-6:15 World Percussion Ensemble (multi-generational)

Starting September 19th:

• Thursdays 9/19, 9/26, and 10/3: 4:30-5:00 Intergenerational Bell/Tone Chime Ensemble (Play in church on October 6th) (2nd graders through adulthood).
• This ensemble will be led by Jean Bass.

Please contact Dr. Jane at jhagness@firstparish.net if you are interested in becoming part of any of these ensembles so that we can have music ready for you.

*Disclaimer: Dr. Jane does not profess to treat or prevent any illness 🙂 but promises to offer you a great time making music together.