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The Matakantata Choir will hold a Taste and See evening at the Matakana Village Hall on Thursday, February 15, starting at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and learn more about the choir, with no obligation to join.
Scientific studies from Yale and Harvard suggest that singing can add years to your life, improve brain health and decrease blood pressure. Local Matakantata Choir members can attest to a marked increase in daily laughter, frivolity and a certain spring in their step, and that’s across all our age groups.
And while singing may be almost universally loved and feared, it can be tricky to find opportunities to share a joy of singing. Yet, so many of us harbour a secret and often long-held desire to open our vocal cords to the world. Aside from the common ‘shower box’ performance for the lucky neighbours, or banging out I Did It My Way after a few too many at the karaoke lounge, the big question is where can everyday folk go to sing-a-long in a fun and encompassing way?
The benefits of singing, and particularly group singing, range from simple toe tapping enjoyment to activating and exercising brain pathways, and encompass a range of emotional, physiological, mindful and social advantages.
Meeting and connecting with others in the community was a strong driver when a new member recently joined the Matakantata Choir after relocating to the area. She found the visitor night was easy and fun, with lots of laughter and no ‘performance pressure’. She said the buzz after her first performance left her on real high with a sense of real accomplishment, and a new camaraderie within her community.
Choir director Jenni Eirena describes Matakantata Choir as family friendly and absolutely inclusive, encompassing singers from all walks of life.
“And there are no auditions or interviews,” she laughs. “We have members who are shy, fear performing in front of others, those who felt they couldn’t sing or are health or sensory challenged … everyone works together and everyone has something to offer. We also welcome members from the wider area, carpooling while practicing is quite common.”
Those with a preference to try something before deciding will love the Matakantata Choir Taster, an open night designed to learn about the choir and the benefits of singing, meet choir members, share some songs, and share some supper.
Submitted by Avalon Sanders.
