Insider Information
By Delores Kimbrough (Photo by Jane Dowrick)
What is it like to be a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Choir? Here’s what some of our members say:
“It’s wonderful! It’s like going to therapy every week!”
“As I left last week, I wished we could rehearse twice a week. It’s so much fun!”
“Thank you so much for forming the choir. It’s great!”
“When we sing, we tend to forget the troubles of the day.”
“We were so lucky to find Laura as a choir director. She’s wonderful.”
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Community Choir is a group of singers that supports and promotes lifelong learning. We remind ourselves that passionate and joyful singing can continue throughout our lives. The goal of the Osher Community Choir is to enhance the musical skills of individual choir members and to build awareness that all adults can create beautiful and artistic choral productions.
Lifelong singers have much to contribute to the Greater Richmond community. We are encouraged by studies that indicate that group singing can provide well-being and health benefits. According to an article titled “Group Singing, Well-being, and Health: A Systematic Mapping of Research Evidence,” published in the University of Melbourne Referenced E-Journal, October 2010, there are indications that singing can help to promote a sense of personal and social well-being, and that it may be effective in promoting physical health.
You are never too old to start singing. The Osher choir encourages adults of all ages interested in lifelong learning and singing to join together to make beautiful choral music. Beginning singers seeking a fun environment to grow their skills and experienced singers seeking direction to enhance their skills will both enjoy the Osher Community Choir.
Our community choir, under the excellent choral direction of Laura Candler White, began rehearsals in the fall 2012 semester on the University of Richmond campus. The spring 2013 session has begun and the choir will continue with another session beginning in fall 2013. So far, twenty people have participated and we welcome anyone else who is interested to join us. There is a minimal registration fee of $80 per semester. This summer there will be a free “singing sampler” where participants will explore, in a two hour session, their love of music.
No auditions are required, because Osher makes it easy. All adult ages are welcome, because singing is fun, no matter what age you are! All you need to bring with you is your love for lifelong learning and your joy of singing! For more information, contact jdowrick@richmond.edu.