NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS

Picture the scene: it’s Christmas; the hall is filled with proud parents and grandparents; the choir is lined up, wearing knee socks and school colours bobbles; and then they start to sing and there isn’t a dry eye in the place. Because everyone loves a children’s choir at Christmas. My children are too young to sing in a school choir, but I still well up listening to other people’s kids sing about the baby Jesus, weary donkeys and wise kings.  But kid’s choirs aren’t just for Christmas, and this is why:

1. Singing in a choir is known to improve self-esteem and confidence – and who doesn’t want this for their children? Receiving a thundering ovation from an adoring crowd (yes, it might be parents, grandparents, friends and siblings but so what) is a great boost to kids, you can see the pride on their little faces.
2. If children are young and haven’t learnt to read music yet, singing in their school choir is the perfect way to get them ‘doing’ music. 
3. Children’s voices are cute. They have a lovely innocent quality to them which, for me, outweighs tuning or timing issues. Those things just don’t seem so important when it’s a group of children singing their hearts out. 
4. Having a choir is a great thing for schools and communities – it really brings people, young and old, together. Singing together gives people a common purpose and connects people who ordinarily might not meet. 
5. The school choir now…what next? Giving children the opportunity to sing and make music could uncover a multitude of talents or skills which might otherwise remain undiscovered. 

So parents – encourage your kids to join the school choir if they express any interest whatsoever. And Dads, it’s important that you set an example and help encourage the boys as well because all too often we are told that ‘boys don’t sing’ – remember Gareth Malone’s TV series? Turns out boys do sing, and they’re pretty good at it too. Roll on Christmas – can’t wait for Rutter’s Star Carol again!