NEW TERM STARTS 19th APRIL
Meeting Fridays, 1-2pm during term time. The Training Room, Windmill Hill City Farm. Please come along for a free taster session or get in touch via the contact page for more info.
“I love the sense of connection, contentment and achievement I get from singing with the choir, it feels like something humans were meant to do - it's good for the soul.”
“The one thing in my week that is guaranteed to make me feel better.”
“It provides me with a huge amount of joy and a sense of community.”
What is a Wellbeing Choir? Songs for the Soul a new choir aimed at improving wellbeing through singing. It is a safe space to experience singing in a group without the pressure of learning pieces, making a ‘perfect’ sound, or performing. Simply put, group singing makes you feel really good and this choir is a chance to create a beautiful noise together with no agenda other than to enjoy ourselves. This will be a smaller, more intimate group than most big community choirs, to create a less intimidating environment.
What are the wellbeing benefits of group singing? Singing has many well-known and proven wellbeing outcomes including releasing endorphins, the body’s natural ‘feel-good’ chemicals which also help boost the immune system and act as natural pain relief. Singing also triggers the release of oxytocin which helps relieve anxiety and promotes a sense of trust and belonging within the group - so a choir is the perfect place to develop strong friendships. Singing, humming and chanting also stimulates the Vegus nerve which helps improve mental-health and singers also work to control the breath which has proven stress-relieving benefits.
Who will benefit? Songs for the Soul is open to anyone who wishes to attend. The world is a stressful place and singing in a choir is a mindful way to leave your worries behind and relieve some of that pressure. The group would be particularly beneficial to those suffering from mild to moderate anxiety and depression, burnout, perimenopause symptoms or loneliness.
Do I need to have any singing experience? You do not need to be able to read music or have any singing experience at all. You don’t even need to have a ‘good’ voice. We believe everyone has the right and the ability to sing and we will teach ways to help you develop your vocal technique.
Can I bring my child? You may feel more comfortable and able to enjoy the stress-relieving benefits of singing without the worry of caring for a child if you have alternative childcare in place. However, you are welcome to bring your little one if you need to and they will also benefit from enjoying the sound of group singing - especially those that are snuggled close to their singing parent who will be able to feel the musical vibrations. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
When and where? The choir will run on Friday lunchtimes 1-2pm in the Training Room at Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster, BS3 4EA. I have chosen this time so that people who work nearby can attend.
Do I need to bring anything? Please bring a bottle of water to sip during the practise and dress warmly and comfortably. There may be some gentle movement involved so bear this in mind.
How much does it cost? Your first session is a FREE taster. If you would like to join beyond the free taster, you can either pay £10 per week for a drop-in session or a reduced price of £8 for a term rate. If you consider yourself to be on a low income there are a limited number of half-price options available for £5 per session or £4 for a term rate. Please get in touch via the contacts page to find out more.