Being a Chorister comes with a wide range of advantages, the types that money cannot buy. The saying that, 'The best things in life are free', would be better understood being a Chorister, as the benefits are far-reaching, and come at no pecuniary cost.
Music is a part of the paraphernalia in our liturgical celebrations and everyday life. One of the best things that could happen to anyone is to be a part of the team that can move the host of heaven to action, turn hearts of stone to flesh, and bring the lost sheep back to the way of the cross, with the help of the talent of churning out harmonious tunes. The book of Acts 16:22-34 elucidates the potency of music in bringing about the aforementioned, when Paul and Silas prayed and sang songs of praise whilst in a detention facility. Their shackles were unfastened, the jailer's heart of stone was turned to flesh and he believed in the risen Lord.
Even though the task of being a Chorister is very daunting, our mollification is in the special grace of God, the kind that elicits the 'special privileges' Choristers enjoy. So, here is why you should be a Chorister too.

1. LISTENING SKILLS : The choir is the closest and arguably the most practical place to enhance listening skills. Here, we are exposed to different pitches and wavelengths of sound, voice textures and keys. Our listening instincts kick in and we are able harmonise, maintain the same frequency and hence produce pleasing tunes. Listening is an in-depth form of communication that is indispensable in our everyday life, from the playground to workplaces, relationships with people and the home front. Its importance cannot be downplayed, which is why so much premium is placed on it.

2. TIME MANAGEMENT : For those who seem to have difficulty with being productive with time, the choir offers real-time scenarios to explore and help improve time management. Choir rehearsals come up at least 3 times a week, which presents the opportunity to dichotomize priorities, while factoring in rehearsal days and time. This will teach you the essence of judicious time management and enhance your productivity.

3. CONFIDENCE BOOSTER : Joining the choir has helped many of us Choristers find self confidence, overcome stage fright, and develop better interpersonal skills. It is a piecemeal process that becomes more evident as time goes by. If you are looking to work on your confidence without being discriminated against or derided, the choir is readily available to help.


4. HEALTH BENEFITS : Studies have revealed that singing in the choir comes with tremendous health benefits, including healthy aging, better functional lungs and greater oxygenation of blood, resulting in improved functioning of the brain and millions of cells in the body. The therapeutic advantages of singing can also be illustrated in the release of neurochemicals such as Beta endorphins (natural painkillers), and a healthier immune system via reducing the stress hormone cortisol and precipitating the synthesis of IgA (Immunoglobulin A antibody). Singing has also been shown to boost our sense of happiness and well-being probably due to the release of dopamine and serotonin.

4. SPIRITUAL BENEFITS : The scripture says, "God inhabits the praise of His people" ( Psalm 22:3). This simply means that God 'dwells' in the songs of praise of His people. This can further be construed as meaning that Choristers are able to 'invoke' God's presence through their songs of praise. You can be sure that with God's presence in the air, there will be deliverance, breakthroughs, and answered prayers.