Is Do-Re-Me a foundational part of your homeschool year? Put the sound of music in your children’s life with choral education! Today’s guest on Home School Heartbeat joins host Mike Farris to explain the benefits of singing in the choir.
Mike Farris:
My guest today is Dr. Steven McCollum, an associate professor and the director of music at Patrick Henry College. Steve has a doctorate in choral conducting and is the executive director of the Patrick Henry College Youth Music Academy, which serves local homeschooling families. Steve, welcome to the program!
Dr. Steven McCollum:
Thank you! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Mike:
Steve, choral music is obviously one of your passions. Would you explain to our listeners some of the unique benefits of choral training? What will homeschoolers learn by singing in a choir, that they wouldn’t learn through taking violin or perhaps piano lessons?
Steve:
Oh, that’s a good question. In a general sense, participating in a choir provides young musicians with a set of skills which only come from ensemble performance. Those are, firstly, the ability to realize music rhythmically and melodically, in real time, perfectly synchronized with the conductor and with other musicians. We don’t always realize that this is a skill which must be nurtured. Secondly, singing in a choir can endow each participant with a healthy vocal technique, which can provide them with a strong, commanding, and resonate voice, as well as a lifetime of vocal health, which is not only useful in choir, but whatever activity or vocation they choose, be it speech and debate, drama, or even as a lawyer presenting a case in a courtroom.
Mike:
Those are great benefits for students, Steve. I really appreciate your sharing. We’ll talk more about choral music on the next program. I’m Mike Farris.
