Birmingham Icknield Male Voice Choir
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Sing your heart out! 5 reasons why singing is beneficial to your health 

29/3/2016

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Whether it’s singing at a concert, in the shower or whilst sat at traffic lights it’s no secret that everyone loves to exercise those vocal chords every now and again, and people are being told to keep it up as a way to remain healthy!  
 
We definitely know the benefits of a good sing song here at the choir, and this year we are celebrating our 116th year. Among our members are those who’ve stuck around for nearly 40 years, so being part of a choir is clearly addictive, as well as being very good for the soul. Here’s why…
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 Better sleep for you (and your partner) Physically, singing can improve your sleep; research has shown a set of daily vocal exercises can often strengthen a weak throat as well as your palate muscles which are known to be significant causes of snoring. Your Mrs will thank you for taking up the new hobby!
 
Stronger (and more toned) body It’s what everyone wishes for! Involving yourself in a choir can be of huge benefit to your hearts and circulation by improving your aerobic capacity and decreasing muscle tension. Singing also improves posture and the weekly practices consistently exercise the mouth area so facial muscles are toned up too! Previous scientific studies at Frankfurt University in Germany have also found that singing helps your immune system giving it a boost to help fight against disease. Looks like the gym isn’t the only place to get a workout!
 
Happier outlook Even better news is the decrease in depression, as during singing the body releases pain relieving endorphins to give a positive boost to mentality. Music itself stimulates specific parts of the brain responsible for concentration and memory, so next time you’re thinking about where you put the car keys, don’t dismay, your musical mental workout will have helped you remember!
 
Stress busting Singing doesn’t just have a positive impact physically, but it can also increase a person’s self- esteem and confidence as well as being a useful stress reducer. Researchers at a University in Sweden found that when choristers sing together their heartbeats synchronise – giving a calming effect that is as beneficial to your health as yoga!
 
Helps you make new friends Rarely do we see people coming together for a good old sing song these days, so joining a choir is a great way to make new friends and guarantee that your 2016 social diary is jam-packed! Scientists have actually found that singing groups bond much more quickly than any other social activity group.
​Why not come along and improve your health? We meet every Tuesday evening from 7.30pm – 9.40pm in the Grimshaw Room at the back of St Chad’s Cathedral. Parking is off Shadwell Street. Call 0121 358 1740 for more information.
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St George’s Day concert

23/3/2016

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We are very excited to be performing in the Elgar Concert Hall within the new Bramall Music Building at The University of Birmingham. Our big concert will be celebrating St George’s day on 23rd April at 7pm.

We always love the build up to our performances, and this one is no exception!

There’s nothing better than being able to have a good old sing song with your friends, and it’s even better when you can do this at a fantastic venue with an audience watching you. (Although sometimes a little challenging at first, we always leave feeling accomplished and proud of ourselves!)

Our audience can expect some of our classic numbers at the concert, including the likes of a Beatles Medley and another favourite, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life. There’ll also be guest appearances by the Edgbaston High School for Girls Choir and The Black Country Ukulele Band.

Keep up to date with our upcoming performances here.

We look forward to seeing you on the 23rd April at 7pm! You can book the £10 tickets by emailing bimvchoir@gmail.com
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March Concert

15/3/2016

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We had a lovely time singing at Witton Methodist Church in Stockland Green on  Saturday 12th March.

The choir and audience enjoyed the experience very much. Thanks to everyone who came along!
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We’re performing throughout the year – do come along to one of our upcoming events.
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Accompanist and bass player, Chris Walk, behind the scenes!
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Why we joined Birmingham Icknield Male Voice Choir

14/3/2016

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Jim has been singing in the choir for nine years. Having been best man to Dave and Dave to him, they lost contact before a reunion where Dave suggested Jim should come along and try the choir.
 
“It was exciting!” he said. “When I walked in they were singing Bohemian Rhapsody and I thought to myself, “am I going to be able to do this?” But I continued to give it a go each week and before I knew it, the weeks turned into years!
 
“It’s become a way of life. When I go on holiday now, every Tuesday night I’m thinking, “I should be at the choir now, it’s 7.30. I wouldn’t know what to do on a Tuesday without it.”

Photo: Dave and Jim
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​“Singing is such a fantastic way of expressing yourself,” says Kim who joined the choir five years ago.
 
“The atmosphere is what keeps me coming back; it’s so warm and friendly. I’m constantly making new friends and having a laugh!
 
“It can be really daunting, especially as a young person if they don’t think they have a good voice, but it’s so friendly. You can take a backseat and get a feel for things whilst everyone helps you to find your own individual sound.” 

Photo: Some of our members. Kim is fourth from the right on the back row
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​Ever wanted to try a new hobby? Come on down to The Grimshaw Room at 7.30pm on Tuesdays to try the choir out! 
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BBC WM sings with us

8/3/2016

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Hot on the heels of the Big Centre TV's visit, we also welcomed BBC Radio WM to our choir last week.

Reporter Daz Hale joined us to chat to Musical Director Steve Roche, finding out a bit about the choir’s history and what we’re all about. Daz was also keen to get involved in the music so we gave him a mini test to find out where his voice would best suit – and it turned out he’s a baritone – and so was assigned to the first bass section.

We had a great time with him! Thank you to all our choir members who turned out for the occasion.

Listen to Steve’s interview (go to 01:53:38 for the start).

And watch the video of Daz singing with us.
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A visit from Big Centre TV

2/3/2016

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We were excited to be joined by Big Centre TV at our rehearsal last Tuesday in The Grimshaw Room.

A fantastic turn out from our members, who all enjoyed showing off the pieces we had been working on in the lead up to our performance at St David’s Church in Shenley Green, that took place last Saturday evening.

Our Musical Director Steve Roche and Deputy Chairman Dave Ward were both interviewed, before we treated the reporter, Lois, to some of our all-time favourites including, 'Always look on the bright side of life', 'What would I do without my music', and 'Bring him home' from Les Miserables.

If you missed us on Big Centre TV, click to watch our piece.
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Enjoy the video? Why not come along to one of our rehearsals on Tuesday evening from 7.30pm.
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