Sing it out for your mental health

LIMERICK, IRELAND — Thursday, 30 September 2010 12:01

“CHORAL music is going through a certain renaissance now. It has
become a very popular past-time to be involved in,” declares one
who knows. Liz Powell is chief executive officer of the Limerick
based Association of Irish Choirs (AOIC), an organisation that
carries the strapline “enchancing life through choral music”.

Based at UL and a music partner of UCH, the AOIC is 30 years old
this year and relentlessly intent on developing choral singing in
Ireland. To this end, Culture Night last week proved a platform at
Milk Market for a walk-in workshop, drawing in the public into
skills and benefits of music sung beautifully by groups.

October 3 to 10 is dedicated nationally to mental health and Liz
makes clear it is no coincidence that 2010’s National Choral
Singing Week shares the same slot.

“We engage with Mental Health Ireland through choirs nationally
who are members of AOIC. We are getting great support and interest
from people and will stage a seminar or debate in UL – last year we
had six or eight relevant events on going in Limerick alone. This
year we hope to have more, such as Laughter Workshops organised by
the MA in Music Therapy course”.

She explains that choral or group singing can help “to reduce
feelings of isolation and loneliness, has been shown to increase
the production of endorphins and adrenaline, heighten feelings of
well-being and gives the participant a physical workout. It’s an
enjoyable way to meet new people and make music
together”.