Well Sing Choir
12.00 - 1.15pm on Wednesdays - 12 weeks Choir ensemble course for any level of singer interested in joining a fun-filled singing group, with a special focus on areas of well-being and health.
Description
The Well Sing Choir supports singers of all interests.
RIAM's 'Well Sing Choir' is for anyone who just simply likes to sing. The ordinary act of singing can become extraordinary when a group of 'singing-loving' people come together. Do you sing around the house? In the shower? In the company of friends or on a night out? If so, this choir is for you!
Maybe you sang in your school or college choir? Maybe like some, you were told you were not good enough or placed in the back row and told to "mouth the words" and have not sung since? Maybe you are at a stage in life where you now have the time to renew your passion for singing.
Drawing on a 'bloom where you are planted' / 'keep going, keep growing' approach to learning alongside honouring every participant's musical and singing potential, no previous choir experience or music literacy is required.
Worldwide research and most recent Irish research tell us that the release of happy chemicals, improved mood and overall well-being are by-products of group singing. Octogenarian folk singer Peggy Seeger says, "The physical act of singing vibrates every bit of your body and makes you feel hopeful". We all need to feel hopeful!
Group Singing is a life-enriching activity that can last a lifetime. As Martin Luther said, "As long as we live, there is never enough singing".
Participants of all ages are welcome to join.
Rehearsal dates for the Spring term 2025: (all of the below dates are confirmed with the choir conductor but may be subject to changes)
Wednesday Lunch Time Choir Only - for other choir groups please check the respective website
- 22/01/2025 Vernon Studio 12:00 - 1:15 PM
- 29/01/2025 G023 from 12:30 - 1:45 PM (please note the slightly later start time)
- 05/02/2025 no rehearsal
- 12/02/2025 Vernon Studio 12:00 - 1:15 PM
- 19/02/2025 Vernon Studio 12:00 - 1:15 PM
- 26/02/2025 Vernon Studio 12:00 - 1:15 PM
- 05/03/2025 G023 from 12:30 - 1:45 PM (please note the slightly later start time)
- 12/03/2025 Vernon Studio 12:00 - 1:15 PM
- 19/03/2025 G023 from 12:30 - 1:45 PM (please note the slightly later start time)
- 26/03/2025 Vernon Studio 12:00 - 1:15 PM
- 02/04/2025 Vernon Studio 12:00 - 1:15 PM
- 09/04/2025 Vernon Studio 12:00 - 1:15 PM (AD End of Term Concert Date - times might vary)
- 16/04/2025 Vernon Studio 12:00 - 1:15 PM
- 23/04/2025 G023 12:00 - 1:15 PM (additional date, if required)
Prerequisites
Participants must be 18+
Learning Outcomes
RIAM's 'Well Sing Choir' is a 12 week course that explores key themes in wellbeing through singing:
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Social connections: choir singing offers an opportunity to meet new people and develop social skills through social connection, bonding, and social inclusion
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Improved respiratory health: regular singing may help improve blood pressure, posture, and help reduce physical pain and muscle tension
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Good for the brain: singing in a choir keeps the brain active, is mentally stimulating, and challenges discipline within concentration and memory
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Good for mental health: singing can alleviate low mood or anxiety, and may help to fend off depression
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Singing is fun: having fun with old and new friends, sharing laughter and a smile through uplifting and motivational music
Testimonials
Here is what Well Sing Choir participants say:
- The Well Sing Choir is a brilliant idea. The classes are fun, and everyone seems to leave on a high note. I think everyone should know about this course as it’s food for the body and soul
- The time I spend at the choir each week is an hour and a half of ME time. Stress-free, calm, relaxed and chill out! Oh, and don't forget to BREATHE!
- I have been in Choirs in the past, but I never enjoyed it more than WSC. The accompanist is so capable and a beautiful musician. All the people there are so nice. Thank you very much to all!
- I look forward to each Wednesday and always coming out of the Well Sing Choir session on a high! Looking forward to the next term later in the year.
- I love every Wednesday with the choir. Beautiful music, lovely people and great fun. I love being a part of it, not forgetting our amazing accompanist, a true gent.
- I really enjoyed the Well Sing Choir. There was a very relaxed and no-pressure feel about our time there. Whether you can sing or read music, it was a great experience, and I highly recommend Well Sing Choir.
- I enjoyed the choir experience so much - people were very friendly, and a few of us went for coffee and a chat afterwards! It is great to meet other people - we have even arranged to meet over the summer for walks/coffee! A Big Thank You for providing me with a truly joyful experience!
- The course surpassed my expectations, making the experience extremely beneficial and enjoyable. Singers are being challenged to perform well while causing no stress. We were also very fortunate to have such an excellent accompanist. Many thanks to all involved in RIAM who made this possible.
Tutors
Naoise Whearity
Naoise Whearity, a Dublin based conductor, musician and educator, graduated with a BA in Music and French from Trinity College Dublin. She began her conducting studies as a participant with the Irish Association of Youth Orchestra’s Conducting Workshop under Maestro Robert Houlihan. As part of her undergraduate studies, she took choral conducting classes with Dr Orla Flanagan and orchestral conducting classes with John Dexter.
In 2017, after a competitive selection process, she was accepted to the National Concert Hall’s inaugural Female Conducting Programme, under the artistic direction of Alice Farnham, working closely with members of the National Symphony Orchestra, ultimately ending in a finale performance and workshop conducting the full Symphony Orchestra.
Having sung as an alto choral scholar the three years prior, Naoise took the position of Conductor of the Trinity College Chapel Choir in 2018, Trinity’s oldest choir. The choir sang at high profile College events, broadcasts, concerts and tours, most recently to Waterford, Omagh, and Lisbon. During this time, Naoise also conducted the cast and orchestra of both Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar in sell out performances as both musical director and orchestral conductor with the Trinity Musical Theatre Society at the O’Reilly Theatre, as well as holding the position of Musical Director of the Trinity Belles Female A Cappella Group.
She continues to conduct in the Dublin area, leading choral workshops, and taking part in national competitions such as Feis Ceoil, Wesley Music Festival and AIJS. She currently sings with New Dublin Voices.