Sing for Happiness
Can singing change your mood?
The singing will continue!
Book your ticket now to take part!
We’re launching a Christmas ‘mini’ Sing for Happiness this autumn – with two sessions learning favourite festive tunes, and a final performance at St George’s. We are delighted to be working with local choir leaders Ben England (Choir of the Earth, Homechoir), Anya Szreter (founder/director of Arnos Vocale, Nightingale Valley Community Choir and The Redcliffe Singers) and Kim Samuels (Renewal Choir, Windrush Choir). And the research with UWE continues: we want to know if singing together can help ease your stress levels and improve your mood during the busy Christmas period?
We launched this groundbreaking project in spring 2024, working with a team of UWE researchers to see whether singing really can improve your mental wellbeing and mood. Working with local Bristol choir leaders, we ran a series of singing sessions followed by a final performance at Bristol Beacon, where participants learned to sing popular songs and took part in the research. Hundreds of you took part, including many who’d never sung before, or hadn’t sung since childhood – we were blown away by participants’ passion for getting involved with both the music and the cutting-edge research. We also partnered with several local charities to widen access to the project. This summer, Sing for Happiness made national news and went viral on social media! At the time of going to print, the research analysis is in progress – and we’re excited to say that Sing for Happiness will return in spring 2025 for its next phase…
When and Where?
The project will take place across 2 sessions at St George’s Bristol, with a final performance at St George’s Bristol on Saturday 7 December.
The sessions are in-person, however there will be online sessions and resources too, for anyone who wants to catch up or sing at home instead.
It is fine to take part in the sessions, but not the final performance, if you’d prefer!
Rehearsal 1:
Saturday 16 November, 10am-1pm
Rehearsal 2:
Saturday 23 November, 10am-12pm
Final Performance:
Saturday 7 December, 11.30am-12.15pm
The Important Details
Where can I sign up?
Via the booking button on this page! When booking, your ‘ticket’ is valid across the whole project (but will show the date of the final rehearsal). You don’t need to ‘apply’ – simply book if you’d like to take part!
What does it cost?
There is a £40 per person participation cost which covers the professional choir leaders’ time, hire of rehearsal spaces and performance venue and all related copyright fees.
Our normal booking fees apply for bookings made online and over the phone.
FAQs
Which Songs will I sing?
A mixture of Classic festive favourites and new.
I'd love to take part, but I think I'm a terrible singer. Does this matter?
No, not at all! The project is open to people of all singing abilities, including total beginners. You just have to be keen to take part!
Please note, the project is open only to people aged 18+.
We cannot accommodate people below the age of 18 in our sessions or as part of the choir. This is due to licensing, recording, and consent required for the research project.
I haven't sung anything since school. Will I be out of my depth?
No – our friendly session leaders are experienced at teaching and coaching singers of all levels. They’ll make sure you get the most out of the sessions, and will take into account the singing abilities of the participants. There will also be online resources available for anyone who wants to catch up on a rehearsal, or do some more singing at home.
Do I need to know how to read music?
No – there’s no prior experience needed and you won’t have to learn to read music either.
What will I need to bring?
Yourself! You may also want to bring a bottle of water, clothes you’re comfortable moving around in, a pencil (in case you want to make any notes on lyrics sheets), and a smartphone if you’re taking part in the project research (there’s an option to complete the research surveys online via a QR code).
What if I can't make one of the sessions?
Don’t worry! All songs covered in the sessions will also be included in the free online rescources if you want to catch up on what you missed. The final in-person session, on Saturday 7 December, will also contain a recap of all the songs you’ve learned across the whole project.
Where is it all happening?
The in-person sessions will take place at St George’s Bristol, as well as the final performance on December 7.
There will also be online sessions too, for those who want to join remotely instead.
My question isn't answered here, help!
Please feel free to ask and we’ll be happy to help.
