At the start of every new year, people make plans to change their lives for the better in the coming year. There are all kinds of resolutions people can make, so I figured I would make my own suggestion for your 2025.
Sing more!
Did you know that there is a ton of research linking singing to health benefits? Not only does singing relieve stress and boost your immune system, but choral singing helps form social bonds and reduces the feelings of isolation that are so common in our world.
“In one 2014 study involving 11,258 schoolchildren, researchers found that children in a singing and musical engagement program developed a strong sense of community and social inclusion.” – Healthline
You might be thinking “Encore doesn’t have a choir, so why does that matter?” and my response is, we have mini choirs all the time! In our mainstage musicals the ensemble sings together throughout the show, like during “The Circle of Life” in our recent production of The Lion King Jr. Look out for our next round of auditions, including for our spring production of The Wizard of Oz! Or in our classes like Magic of Musicals and Broadway Basics where students learn songs together and put on a show after just a few weeks! If you can’t commit to a class, our upcoming Presidents’ Day workshop might be for you. Students in grades 3-8 will discover the world of theatre through Broadway Show Hits including songs from Hamilton, Wicked, and Newsies! Enjoy a day of theatre games, crafts, creative activities, and storytelling in a safe and supportive environment.
“Spontaneous, improvised singing causes your body to release [oxytocin], which may help give you a heightened sense of connectedness and inclusion.” – Healthline
We have even more opportunities to sing in 2025 during our summer camp season. There are camps for ages 3-15 to belt it out this summer! Whether you want to sing with Berti and her friends in Kindergarten the Musical or build an ensemble in Broadway Bootcamp, singing is a great way to express your emotions and build lasting friendships.
“Everyone can sing – however much we might protest – meaning it is one of the most accessible forms of music making.” – Oxford Research
So happy New Year, and may it be a musical one!
Photos by Cindy Kane and others. Blog contribution by Parker Nelson