Why We Sing
There are so very many people who think they can’t sing. Gareth Malone has proved a lot of them wrong. I’m on Gareth’s side! What about you?
Have you ever been in the middle of a lovely big choral sound and been able to contribute something that makes that big sound even better? Millions of people do it in all sorts of choirs and love it. Are you one, or this a treat still in store?
One of the brilliant things about choirs is that people with all sorts of levels of experience can rub shoulders and everyone can benefit.
Some do it for the physical effects. The way the oxygenation leaves you feeling hyper alive; the way the vibrations especially in your head and chest cavities leave you feeling relaxed and soothed; the way the breathing and physical movement are like a gentle workout.
Some do it for the social-ness. It’s brilliant fun to sing together with other people and have a laugh at the same time. It’s a lovely vehicle for shared experience.
Have you felt the ‘zing’ yet – that magical moment when everything just clicks and suddenly a light goes on inside you, and you can’t take the smile off your face? You just feel alive!
Music and Peace
Years ago I used to work with a West African singer and drummer called Ade Wallace. He used to tell me that the role of a musician is as a peace-maker. Musicians and music bring people together in peace, often from different cultures, and create commonality and understanding through the universal language of music. Perhaps the double meaning of the word ‘harmony’ is not an accident.
“Singing doesn’t have to be about doing it right, perfection, or being good/better/best. It can be about being slap bang in the experience of being alive and of being right here right now on earth, in the midst of heart-opening, life-affirming sound – so often simply beautiful and joyful! And when you get that feeling for rhythm that comes from inside, it can light you up!”
About Pete Scott
I studied music at Newcastle College, graduating 1978, and have worked in music ever since, leading both adults and children’s groups. I am also a guitar, piano and soprano saxophone player, interested especially in African and Latin music. I played djembe, balafon and kalimba for many years.
In the 1990s I played with African musicians such as Tata dindin Jobarteh, the international kora star from Gambia and Adesose Wallace, who I mentioned above – a marvelous singer and drummer from West Africa.
More recently I led, played lead guitar, and wrote all material for the Hothouse Band The Hothouse Band which featured Louise Parker, the fine jazz vocalist from Plymouth.
I was part of the acclaimed SAMS team (Saturday Music School for children) in Totnes for over 10 years.
I love writing, transcribing, and arranging wonderful songs, and then singing them with other people. It’s so infectious and happiness-producing!