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These days, it’s all about ‘The Voice’ –there’s even a TV show dedicated tofinding the UK’s most charismaticvocal chords.Despite being deluged by a tsunami of TVtalent contests, the programme that reallystruck a chord (sorry!) across the nation waschoirmaster Gareth Malone’s life-enhancingtale of the Military Wives, who created ‘TheChoir’. Their story and subsequent numberone hit ‘Wherever you are’, which raisedover half a million pounds for forces’charities, was inspirational– particularly for those ofus whose last experienceof singing was gigglingthrough the hymns inschool assembly,several decades ago.Sing out loudWhatever your age or ability,singing can be enjoyed by just aboutanyone – and it really is good for you. Singingrequires deep breathing, a known relaxationtechnique that reduces anxiety and releasesendorphins, the brain’s ‘feel good’ chemicals.These give an overall ‘lifted’ feeling and areassociated with reducing stress.Sing out strongIn addition, having to actively concentrateon the music, words and techniquecan help to take your mind offthings like work, money orfamily problems, which hasto be good for the bloodpressure! Learning newsongs and harmonieskeeps brains active –and singing in front of acrowd works wondersfor building confidence.WELLBEING 19Sing sing a song… Want a new pastime that provides aphysical, psychological, emotional andsocial boost? Then how about embarkingon a voyage of vocal discovery?Singing isa great way towork out – it’s anaerobic exercise thatincreases oxygen levelsin the blood withoutleaving you hotand sweatySing of good things not badSinging is good for physical fitness, too.According to Dr James Le Fanu, medicalcorrespondent at The Telegraph: “Singinginvolves virtually every muscle group,vibrating the whole system like a tonicmassage. It increases lung capacity,improves posture, clears the sinusesand boosts mental alertness byincreasing the amount of oxygen in theblood. And for good measure itexercises the facial muscles– helping to maintainyouthful good looks.”Sing of happynot sadPlus, if you sing aspart of a group, thereare fantastic social benefits.Choirs are great places to meetpeople, and the camaraderieand commitment of being part ofa group gets people out of the house and canprovide a life-affirming sense of belonging. So,isn’t it time you found your voice?How to start singingWant to begin with some lessons?Ask at your local music shopor check out websites such aswww.musicteachers.co.uk tofind a teacher in your areaInterested in joining a choir?Visit www.choirs.org.uk whereyou’ll find details of over 3,000choral groups across the UKFor lots of useful singing tips onbreathing, posture, plus videotutorials, visit www.bbc.co.uk/sing/learningA choral case studyBristol’s Gurt Lush Choir (pictured above) isa 300-strong community choir/choral societythat rehearses every week and performs atlocal venues.Musical director Sam Burns, who set up thechoir in 2009, says: “Everyone’s welcome tocome along for some taster sessions beforesigning up. We don’t expect people to haveto sing on their own at an audition or to readmusic, but we do expect them to be up fora challenge, as we sing in up to eight-partharmony. Members get a free training CD tosing along to, plus lots of support.“We have quite an eclectic repertoire ofsongs – gospel, Celtic and English folk songs,short classical pieces, pop and soul – and ourmembers range from 12 to over 80.“These days there are all kinds of choirs outthere – from community singing groups andclassical choral societies to rock choirs. Myadvice is: if the first choir you try doesn’t suityou, then try another. There’s a choir outthere for everyone!”