why wellbeing?
Sing out Strong is the UK's First FAMILY OF WELLBEING CHOIRS AND Social-singing groups
Our ethos is to help people improve their mental health and wellbeing, through singing as part of a group. Sing out Strong was set up last year by Founder Emma Rowland, a professional choral conductor with depression and anxiety. Emma was eager to make choir a more accessible place for those who may also have suffered with mental health problems, and to share the benefits of singing with those in need.
So how do we incorporate wellbeing into our work?
At Sing out Strong we do a number of things that take us beyond just singing for fun:
❶ We begin (and end) every session with mindful breathing to focus the brain and relieve stress;
❷ All musical material chosen is upbeat and uplifting. While we try to include a wide variety of genres in our repertoire, we do steer clear from anything that might be a bit sad or a trigger to some;
❸ We do not audition singers or put anyone on the spot in our sessions. Concerts are not compulsory, neither are any of the exercises, warmups or activities that we undertake;
❹ We understand that sometimes simply coming to choir practice is half the battle. If singers need a quiet place to take some time out or just need to sit and listen, then we respect that and provide the necessary privacy;
❺ Each year we organise a Wellness Day where our members can attend interactive workshops, such as yoga, singing and music therapy, designed to improve overall wellbeing. Our first one is coming up in May;
❻ Twice a year, all our choirs come together for a big fundraising gala concert to raise money for a mental health charity (this year it's Herefordshire Mind) and raise awareness of the importance of self-care and good mental health.
❶ We begin (and end) every session with mindful breathing to focus the brain and relieve stress;
❷ All musical material chosen is upbeat and uplifting. While we try to include a wide variety of genres in our repertoire, we do steer clear from anything that might be a bit sad or a trigger to some;
❸ We do not audition singers or put anyone on the spot in our sessions. Concerts are not compulsory, neither are any of the exercises, warmups or activities that we undertake;
❹ We understand that sometimes simply coming to choir practice is half the battle. If singers need a quiet place to take some time out or just need to sit and listen, then we respect that and provide the necessary privacy;
❺ Each year we organise a Wellness Day where our members can attend interactive workshops, such as yoga, singing and music therapy, designed to improve overall wellbeing. Our first one is coming up in May;
❻ Twice a year, all our choirs come together for a big fundraising gala concert to raise money for a mental health charity (this year it's Herefordshire Mind) and raise awareness of the importance of self-care and good mental health.
putting your wellbeing first
Initial feedback has shown that some singers have joined us specifically because they feel more comfortable in our choirs, where we understand the pressures and struggles of mental health.