Choral Singing Benefits, by Vance George

Some Thoughts About Choral Singing from March 22 and 23 2014 Program Notes

    By Vance George, Director Emeritus, San Francisco Symphony Chorus

Congratulations to the Ragazzi Boys Chorus and the Young Women’s

Chorus of San Francisco! All that these young people are learning

about music will be with them throughout their lives, and it will affect

their minds, bodies and spirits in amazing ways. The foundation for each

of these ensembles is high quality choral literature that challenges their

minds. To make music, they have to learn the symbols and basics of

music and then work together creating a unique synthesis of focus on

pitch, rhythm, harmony and languages in sync with others.

The physical aspects of singing such as posture, balance, and breath

control have a healthy effect on the body. And now studies are proving

singing even has the ability to fight disease in measurable ways. The

power of singing in a chorus creates a life support for young people, who

need a safe place to go to find relief from a stressful world.

The spirit of each singer is uplifted and fed in both rehearsal and

performance. As singers prepare for a concert like this, they have fun

trying new things, singing new repertoire, finding new ways of making

sound, and are challenged to do their best in the process. I was pleased

to work with these two groups in rehearsals as they were so well

prepared that we could work on color, phrasing, sensitivity to the text,

and commitment to making the music come off the page.

Singing in a chorus is belonging. Singing in a chorus is community. Singing

in a chorus enlivens our beings and feeds an inner need that nothing

else will satisfy. I’m delighted to know that the young men and young

women of these wonderful choral organizations will benefit from the

excellent training and soul enriching experiences that choral singing can

offer them.