Choirs Are About Music: Reclaiming Our True Identity
According to recent research, many members of lower voice choirs rank developing their musical skills below fundraising for charities and social interaction. Admirable aims of course, but – pause for thought – if not for making music together, what are choirs even for?
Many lower voice choirs are shifting their focus away from musical growth – often in favour of supporting local charities – and the results show: less learning, development, skill-building, less enthusiasm, ambition, fewer performances, shrinking memberships, and shrinking audiences.
This is the quiet identity crisis eating away at our sector: when music becomes secondary, choir becomes ‘just another social club’. But – surely – music defines us: it’s the heart of what we do, our raison d’être, our unique selling point and how we attract people who actually want to sing!
It’s never too late to reconnect with our musical roots and reclaim our identities as choirs. When we make music our centre of gravity and prioritise singing well, our performances improve and we start to inspire members who are passionate about their craft and eager to learn and grow.
And remember, focusing on music doesn’t mean abandoning other aims, it enhances them: raising funds, building friendships and having a pint after rehearsal all come naturally when we embrace the joy of making music together. But they come from the shared joy of singing - not the other way around.
