The Benefits of Joining a Community Choir for Youth

Joining a community choir can be an amazing experience for young people. It helps them develop important skills and find new passions. Singing in a choir isn't just about making music - it's a chance for self-expression, creativity, and so much more.

The impact of community choirs on youth development

Community choirs have a big impact on young folks. Getting into music and performing helps them gain all sorts of skills and experiences that shape who they are and what they want to do. Rehearsing and performing with a choir teaches them about being disciplined and responsible. They learn about being on time, sticking to commitments, and the value of hard work, all things that helps them in school and other activities.

Plus, being part of a community choir exposes young singers to a variety of different people and cultures. Through the music, they learn about different backgrounds and perspectives, which broadens their horizons. Community choirs like The Edmonton Youth Choir give young people a safe place to figure out who they are, making them feel like they belong and are accepted.

Youth Choir singers performing in Edmonton City Hall in concert attire

Building self-confidence and self-expression through singing in a choir

Joining a community choir is a fantastic way for young people to express themselves and boost their self-confidence. Singing in front of an audience, whether it's during rehearsals or performances, helps them conquer their fears and become more comfortable sharing their passions and talents. Plus, singing is a fantastic way for young people to express themselves. Through music, they can share their emotions, tell stories, and explore their own identity.

Two youth singers, a girl and a boy, dressed in choir uniforms smiling for the camera

Fostering teamwork and collaboration in a community choir setting

Being part of a community choir teaches the importance of teamwork and collaboration. In a choir, you have singers with different backgrounds and musical experiences, and each voice contributes to the overall, unified sound. To achieve this unified sound, choir members must work together, listen attentively, and adjust their voices accordingly. This collaborative effort fosters a sense of camaraderie and teaches young people the value of working together.

Apart from the musical aspect, community choirs often partner with other artists, such as instrumentalists or other choral ensembles. Young singers learn to communicate and collaborate with individuals from different disciplines, which gives them an appreciation of what it takes to create a successful performance. These experiences not only enhance their teamwork skills, but also prepare them for future collaborations in various aspects of their lives.

Edmonton Children's Choir singers hugging their conductor after a concert at City Hall

The benefits of musical training in a community choir

Being part of a community choir is an awesome way for young people to get formal musical training (without the price tag of private lessons!). The choir directors help them build singing techniques, breath control, and music literacy skills. These skills not only make their performances shine, but also give them the ability to explore and teach themselves other types of music.

Joining a community choir introduces young singers to all kinds of music, from classical to world music and even contemporary arrangement of popular favourites. They get to appreciate different styles and may feel encouraged to start listening to new genres at home! The musical training they get in the choir can be a great beginning for those who want to take their love for music further.

Creating lifelong friendships and connections through joining a youth choir

Choirs have the power to form lifelong connections within a community, offering young folks s a supportive network of like-minded peers who share their passion for music. These friendships often extend beyond the choir years, providing a sense of continuity and support as young singers transition into adulthood.

Plus, community choirs often create opportunities for collaboration with other choirs, both nationally and internationally. This allows for cultural exchanges, collaborative performances, and meaningful travel experiences. In 2023, The Edmonton Youth Choir toured to Cuba, where they got to perform and spend time with a local Cuban high school ensemble. In 2024, EYC participated in an exchange with The Ottawa Childrenโ€™s Choir Chamber Choir, where singers developed musical connections and friendships with other youth across Canada.

Through these interactions, young singers can broaden their perspectives, learn about different cultures, and form connections with individuals from around the world.

A group of teens smiling and posing for the camera in front of tress at Camp Nakamun

Join The Edmonton Youth and Childrenโ€™s Choirs

Do you know a young person who loves to sing? EYCC offers choirs for kids, youth, and young adults. We welcome new members throughout each season and would love to connect with you and help you register for one of our award-winning ensembles!

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Find A Place To Sing: Explore The Vibrant Edmonton Choir Scene