The 'one-day choir' or 'pop-up choir' phenomenon has taken the world by storm, with thousands of people gathering in various locations to learn and sing a song together. This unique event requires no prior singing experience, and participants are not judged on their vocal abilities. The event is led by a conductor who teaches the group the song in a short amount of time, usually 90 minutes, before they sing it together. This concept was recently introduced in Hong Kong, where over 500 people filled a concert hall to sing the song "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire.
The founder of Pub Choir, Astrid Jorgensen, who is a former high school music teacher, started this initiative in 2017 in Australia with just 70 participants. Since then, Pub Choir has expanded to various parts of the world, with Jorgensen teaching thousands of people to sing different songs, including "I Want It That Way" by Backstreet Boys and "Africa" by Toto. The events are held in different locations, including bars, concert halls, and other venues, and participants are only required to purchase a ticket to attend.
One of the unique aspects of Pub Choir is that it welcomes people with all types of voices, including those who are not classically trained or have unusual vocal tones. Participants are free to choose which vocal range they want to sing in - low, medium, or high - and the conductor helps them to blend their voices together to create a harmonious sound. Jorgensen uses a combination of simple instructions, humor, and conversation to help participants feel at ease and enjoy the experience.
The 'one-day choir' concept is not limited to Pub Choir, as other groups have also started to offer similar events. In Singapore, the Sing Song Social Club meets regularly, while in Toronto, Canada, Choir! Choir! Choir! has gained popularity, with over 20 cities in the United States and Canada hosting their events. Gaia Music Collective in New York City also offers one-day choir events, and their tour will take them to Europe, Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
According to Arla Good, a researcher with the SingWell Project, an international organization that studies the benefits of singing together, this type of event is becoming increasingly popular. She notes that people do not need to be good singers to enjoy these events, and that the experience of singing together with others can be incredibly rewarding. Pauline Wong, a participant in a recent Pub Choir event in Hong Kong, agrees, saying that she was initially hesitant but ended up having a great time singing with others.
Jorgensen encourages participants to put their phones away during the event and focus on singing and socializing with others. She believes that people spend too much time staring at screens and not enough time engaging with others in person. Research has shown that singing can have numerous benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and boosting cognitive function. Singing in a group setting can also foster a sense of community and social connection.
As Pub Choir continues to grow in popularity, Jorgensen plans to teach over 70,000 people to sing this year. With its global reach and inclusive approach, the 'one-day choir' phenomenon is helping to break down barriers and make music more accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. By providing a fun and engaging experience, Pub Choir and similar groups are bringing people together through the power of music.
Key points
- The 'one-day choir' concept has become a global phenomenon, with thousands of people participating in events worldwide.
- The events are designed to be inclusive and welcoming, with no prior singing experience required.
- Research has shown that singing in a group setting can have numerous benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and boosting cognitive function.
