Science Festival promotes health benefits of singing

Members of the specially-formed Eccles Daytime Choir are being scrutinised by scientists to see how their musical endeavours can improve their wellbeing.

And the experts are already likening the changes to joining a football team.

Dr Gary Kerr, a genetic biologist at the University of Salford, said: “The benefits of group singing are huge. Like being in a local football squad, community choir members benefit physically, mentally, socially and even spiritually from their team activity.” He explains that singing can stimulate feel-good hormones and decrease stress-hormones, creating a physical “high” after their training.

“Endorphins are released when singing in a choir because choral singing is in itself a physical workout. The deep breaths taken as part of singing equate to aerobic exercise, and can ease asthma and aid people with breathing problems.

Gary, who teaches on the Science Communication degree at Salford, also points to a second hormone – oxytocin – known to increase feelings of affection and bonding –being released during group singing, while the hormone ‘cortisol’ related to stress is lowered after just an hour of singing. Low levels of cortisol can boost the immune system, fight off infections, and may even protect the body from cancer.

The choir which meets weekly at Eccles Gateway and comprises 11 women and 1 man, is being observed for 12 weeks by professionals looking at everything from social benefits and spiritual upliftment to issues around social isolation and loneliness, given that half a million older people in the UK go for a week at a time without seeing or speaking to anyone.

Andrea Bushell, principal arts development officer at Salford Community Leisure, who helped put the choir together, said: “Some of the group already have an active social life and are in good health, whilst others have come along to make new friends, enjoy singing as a bit of light exercise or for health improvement.

Happier 

“We welcome people of all singing abilities and encourage people who might not think they can sing to give it a try and enjoy the benefits for themselves. Whatever the reason for being part of it, one thing is for sure, the research suggests people feel happier by taking part in the choir.”

Manchester Science Festival which starts today (October 19 – 29) has earned a reputation for innovative and creativity in engaging communities in science and education.

The choir will be singing at the event “Sing ‘til you’re grinning”, co-produced by Salford Community Leisure and the University of Salford as part of Manchester Science Festival, at Eccles Gateway and Library on Thursday 26th October 2017 from 2.30pm – 3.30pm.