Choral Singing in the 21^st Century

We all know how uplifting and enriching it is to hear and be involved with any kind of singing. Apart from the rousing singing at a football game there exists a wonderful national framework of opportunities for young people to develop a love of choral singing. Indeed this framework has never been stronger; there are several organisations dedicated to exciting and innovative work.

Yet despite this, choirs and the numbers involved in singing generally around the country is diminishing, slowly but surely. Recent evidence highlights the growing concern. For example the great majority of youth and church choirs are now exclusively female. Most school singing classes can only persuade boys to bawl out show tunes, which give them no training in vocal technique or expressiveness. At a deeper level of society, one can also see how the decline of singing groups, as well as the decimation of traditional heavy industries and the rich working-class culture that surrounded them, has affected both religious and secular choirs; indeed many choirs have disappeared. 

Special choral events will thrive more than ever, due to directed funding, various initiatives, and so on. There is however a steady erosion of what might be called the choral backbone in the UK, whether it is school, church or youth choir. As we know, changes in lifestyle are largely to blame: the eclectic immediacy of our media-driven youth culture is threatening the very existence of a simple, regular rehearsal routine; the commitment required to build real musical skills to serve all the needs of worship.  There’s too much on offer for young people these days and they want it all, NOW! 

So how do we define what’s in decline? Singing as a culture in itself gives young people the opportunity to experience a wide range of musical styles and traditions and enjoy the excitement of performance in praise and giving to God. Developing a love of singing (or playing in an orchestra) is the foundation of a lifelong interest. It also allows young people to aspire to excellence through discipline and commitment, achieve personal growth through teamwork and creativity, and in coming closer to God through words set to music.  However it is a sad fact that in 20 years time, given the present rate of decline in choral singing nationally, we may be without the long apprenticeship that builds these life long skills.

We all have a responsibility to encourage young people to sing. As we know, singing does enrich the quality of our lives, serving worship and active fellowship, strengthening our spiritual well-being and having a positive effect on our attitude toward others and the environment. Singing challenges and develops the brain's skill and capacity for internalising, memorising, sequencing, ordering and recalling. This is born out by the number of wonderful tunes and settings. Above all it is the root experience for developing the musical gifts God has given us – inspiration, a keen ear, skilled mind, creative heart.

Maybe the outstanding talent of our Church Choir and Music Groups will always shine through, whatever the decline nationally. However, in terms of future recruits will we also have to fight one day the modern perception of ‘a daunting degree of commitment?  Will we persuade enough people to take singing seriously?