Celebrating Our Voices and Our Communities – Music Bites and World Voice Day

February 9, 2016

Join us for Music Bites and World Voice Day

“I believe singing is primal. You don’t have to be a ‘musician’ or a ‘singer’ – if you’re human, singing is a means of communication, and you can learn to improve it just like any other skill” says Dielle Hannah, Musical Director of The Igloo Choir.

Carolyn Stallard, accountant by profession, has sung with the Igloo Choir for 4 years. “I get loads out of it” she says “it’s such a great bunch of people – a real Igloo family. I love singing, writing our own songs, performing and singing in harmony. Even the warm up is fun! Lots of smiles and laughs… and cake! I think it helps with stress for sure, it’s an escape from all our everyday stuff; breathing helps the lungs too – it’s a total ‘feel good’ activity”

“I grew up on Hayling and went to Mill Rythe and Hayling School. I was a Primary Teacher in Portsmouth and Havant and now retired. Joined Igloo choir 3?? Years ago and the best thing I have done!!!

Lovely group of people who have become good friends!!! Love being part of the song writing process and singing in three part harmony is fabulous!! You forget everything else when singing!!!!” Vivienne James, Choir Member

The Igloo Choir formed around 5 years ago, to give private vocal students of Igloo Music UK the opportunity to explore singing together in harmony. What they found was the chance to belong to a caring, creative group of people that provides support, friendship and relief from stress.

“We have had members over the years with all sorts of diagnosed health problems including epilepsy, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure and cancer, all of whom benefit from singing. More and more people are coming to us telling me they are stressed out with life in general, and they all say how enjoyable singing in a group is, as a relief from all that pressure” Dielle explains “people don’t need to have had any previous experience or training to be able to take part in a group like this; all you need is to be willing to give it a go, and a sense of humour!”

The health benefits of singing have been heralded by a wide variety of medical professionals, and in 1996 World Voice Day was founded to celebrate the wonders of the human voice. Igloo Music UK have celebrated World Voice Day for several years, but this year they are inviting members of the public to join them for an afternoon at The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre to learn songs together with other members, and perform them for friends and family at the end of the session.

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre has been a huge part of our local arts community for many years, and Dielle says it’s a beautiful venue to rehearse and perform in, since Igloo Music share the same values – that participation in the arts improves quality of life for everyone, “I’ve always loved this arts centre, and it’s a fantastic place to bring my groups to rehearse, because there are so few places now where so many aspects of the arts intersect. I really believe we have to support our Arts Centres or we will lose these vital cultural hubs in our communities”.

The Igloo Choir are performing in the “Music Bites” series of showcases at The Spring on 27^th February at 1pm – if you would like to join in World Voice Day celebrations on 16^th April, you can come and meet the choir and talk to Dielle on February 27^th. Both of these events are free to take part in.

Music Bites
27^th February, 1pm The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, 56 East Street, Havant PO9 1BS
http://thespring.co.uk/whats-on/music/music-bites-igloo-choir/

World Voice Day!
16^th April, 2-5.30pm The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, 56 East Street, Havant PO9 1BS
https://igloomusic.co.uk/event/world-voice-day/

Categorised in: Choir, Singing