Choir-ific Chronicles: Tales of Tone-Deaf Triumphs and Hilarious Harmonies

Singing is pretty popular right? Everyone does it, even though not everyone should. Just kidding, please keep singing no matter what level you consider yourself to be at. I'm here for The Good, The Bad, and The Off-Key. Love y'all <3.

Joining a choir (multiple choirs) really helped me find myself, what I love and what brings me joy. I'll tell you a little bit more about my experiences below.

Despite the act of singing being such a common concept, singing in a choir seems to have a certain reputation. When we picture choirs, we think churches. Angelic voices. Gospel.

Yeah, not my choir. We're like this fun group of young peeps singing like we invented it.

Here's some pretty embarrassing yet relatable experiences from singing in a choir:

1. The accidental solo: Ahh, this is laughing matter during rehearsals but damn those cheeks be turning very red very fast when it happens at an actual concert. Not only do you want to ground to swallow you up, everyone around lives that second-hand embarrassment.  Just imagine, you're singing along with the group when suddenly you realise you're not so much singing along rather than ... alone. Not quite the kind of solo everyone wants.

2. The rogue sneeze: Worst. Possible. Moment. No, really. Sneezing during sex, sneezing while on your period, I get it, but no. Trying to hold it only makes it worse by the way, so don't bother. As soon as you feel it coming, you're done for. The entire choir is thrown off, and you're just left wishing you brought a tissue. Bonus points if you didn't make first row, and someone in front of you got a little more than what they bargained for.

3. Forgetting the words: A classic. You've practised your part for weeks, but as soon as you set one foot on that stage, your mind goes blank. The panic, frantically looking at your fellow choir members for help, or just hoping it'll come back to you as the piano plays those first few notes. In this case though, it's best you didn't make that first row. 

4. Dealing with the divas: There's always that one choir member who thinks they're the star of the show. They constantly argue with the director and try to out-sing everyone else. You try to keep your cool, but it's hard not to roll your eyes when they hit yet another unnecessary high note. Yes, this is an alto speaking. And yes, I had a soprano in mind writing this. No hard feelings though, some of my best friends are sopranos! (get it?)

5. The choir family: However, despite the occasional diva drama, your choir is like a family. You spend countless hours together practicing and performing, and you all share a love of music. It's a bond that's hard to break, and one that's easily underestimated.

6. The post-performance high: And with that, the final point. Nothing quite like the rush you get after a successful performance. You and your fellow choir members are beaming with pride as you take your final bow. It's a feeling that makes all the hours of practice worth it, a feeling that brings you all together. It's an emotional night, to say the least.

For those who love to sing, joining a choir can really be a wonderful way to connect with others who share their passion for music. Whether it is a community group or a professional ensemble, being part of a choir offers a sense of belonging and a chance to create something truly special.

At the heart of every choir is the people who make it up. A joy to their members and audiences alike.