The effects of Covid-19 on group activities have been felt worldwide.
One particular pastime that was hit very badly during this bleak period was that of singing in a choir.
Happily those days are behind us and choirs can now rehearse and perform freely. The restrictions did however leave a ‘hangover’ effect as singers got out of the habit of choral activities and choir numbers dwindled somewhat.
All of this is a shame since studies show that choral singing improves our mood, with a decrease in stress, depression and anxiety.
Moreover, such benefits are demonstrably enhanced in a group setting when compared to singing alone.
Singing in a group offers us a sense of belonging to something bigger than ourselves. It helps us feel that we are belong to and are needed by the larger community.
Like a lot of other group activities such as making music, dancing or playing in a team, choral singing is known to benefit the individuals taking part.
In testimony to such beneficial effects of singing, Clonmel is home to several different choirs who each occupy their own musical niche when it comes to the type of works they like to sing. One local choir, Clontempo, has focused on four part singing whereby sopranos, altos, tenors and basses join together to enjoy the uplift that singing brings with it.
CLONTEMPO CHOIR
Formed in 2017, Clontempo Choir, based in Clonmel, has matured into an inclusive, mixed four-part group who sing for enjoyment.
Works are chosen ranging from classical pieces like Vivaldi’s Gloria to songs in Irish like Óró mo bhaídín, all sung in four part harmonies.
To date Clontempo has performed publicly in Clonmel, Lismore and Cork. Such performances require the choir to know the pieces well and to that end rehearsals take place each week with a break for the summer.
To keep everything together, the choir employs a professional musical director who organises, coaches and encourages. In order to make it easy to get involved with Clontempo there are no restrictions placed on would-be singers and no-one is asked to audition or to be able to read music. It is for fun after all.
If you would like to join this choir or find out more about it, you only have to contact Paul McCarthy on 0838758972.
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