Redefining Resonance: The Choral Experience

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This week on Redefining Resonance, I sat down with Jesse, a third-year speech-language pathology major at Piedmont University, to talk about his relationship with music. Our conversation covered everything from his journey through multiple majors to his thoughts on overplayed and underrated artists. Through all of the stories and entertaining anecdotes, one theme stood out the most: choral music is a powerfully unifying force.

Jesse and I both agreed that choir is different from any other team experience. As someone who spent 12 years playing team sports, I’ve experienced firsthand what it means to work towards a common goal with others. In all of my personal experience, I fully believe that singing in a choir is unlike any other group experience.

Jesse shared the same sentiment. “In choirs, you definitely have to respect the next person just as much as yourself,” he said. “If one person does stand out, that’s not a good thing.” Unlike sports, where there’s an incentive to outperform others, choir requires blending, balance, and trust. It’s not about being the best individual singer, but it’s about contributing to something larger than yourself.

Singing in a choir isn’t just about making music; it literally connects people. Studies have shown that when choir members sing together, their heart rates synchronize, creating a shared physical experience that mirrors the emotional bond formed through singing alongside others.

I have found that choir is hard to explain until you’ve experienced it. There’s something about working toward the same musical goal that naturally brings people together. Singing in an ensemble teaches you how to be a better team player, not just in music but in life; it instills the importance of listening, blending, and supporting one another. You learn to trust the people around you, adapt in the moment, and create something bigger than yourself. It’s more than just singing, it is a community.

Jesse put it best: “You’re here because you’re good, and we’re doing the same thing to make this even greater thing.”

So, how can we take this mindset beyond the music? Where in your life can you prioritize collaboration over competition? Where can you listen more, blend better, and create something greater than yourself?