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THE CONDUCTORS BLOGSPOT

I want to try and use this space on our website to outline some of my thoughts about singing, singers and the many benefits that can be found in ‘joining in’ with a choir or in fact, any singing opportunity.

Whilst I will express many personal views or experiences, I am never shy about quoting others, or utilising their writings as a way of highlighting shared experience.

Please visit the site often and feel free to post your own comments or thoughts on what you find written here, or even how singing has helped you.

And Finally….

I want to put this quote by Professor Graham Welch here at the start of these blog pages. I have used it before in articles and for me it shows how serious research can show in both physiological and emotional terms how singing really is ‘good for you’

Professor Graham Welch, Chair of Music Education at the Institute of Education, University of London, who has studied developmental and medical aspects of singing for 30 years says,

The health benefits of singing are both physical and psychological. Singing has physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even when sitting. Singing has psychological benefits because of its normally positive effect in reducing stress levels through the action of the endocrine system which is linked to our sense of emotional well-being. Psychological benefits are also evident when people sing together as well as alone because of the increased sense of community, belonging and shared endeavour.

The Conductor – Dorian Edwards (October 2009)

Somebody I know well, sent me this entry exam paper for A very well known Orchestra & Choir.  He claims it to be a real document and is used for all new applicants. I think it is used, but more as a test of the applicants humour than anything else. I have visions of an earnest musician sitting down to answer this paper, on seeing it they palpitate at the fear of hidden meanings in the questions Or perhaps, some deep psychological interpretation of their answers. One last thing; As you see it here is exactly how it is written and laid out – Quite cruel really.

Whatever the truth, it is good fun. Enjoy…..!

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