GETTING EVERYONE SINGING!
On 1, 2, 3 October 2010 people from all over the UK will come together to celebrate the power of singing in aid of Classic FM’s charity Music Makers as part of the first ever national singing weekend, 123sing! Created by Classic FM, the UK’s largest national commercial radio station and Making Music, the largest umbrella body for amateur music, 123sing! will highlight the life-changing effects of singing and how it can be a valuable activity to deal with the stresses of everyday life.
123sing! invites the public to host, join or enjoy a singing event over the weekend of
1, 2, 3 October 2010, all in aid of Classic FM’s charity Music Makers which raises money to fund music education and therapy projects working with the most disadvantaged children and adults across the UK. The event is open to everyone of all abilities and the 123sing! website is packed full of ideas to help people get involved. Simply check out www.classicfm.com/123sing. Events can range from a concert for the community to a karaoke night with friends and neighbours, a singing workshop for beginners to a talent show at school or in the office. All types of music are welcome, so whether you love classical or pop, rock or musicals, you can get involved.
Classic FM and Making Music are working closely with all the major singing organisations in the UK, including Sing Up, Youth Music, the British Association of Barbershop Singers and the Choir Schools' Association, who want to help more people and communities reap the benefits of singing.
Sing yourself happy
There is now significant research evidence on the value of singing for health and wellbeing. Professor Stephen Clift of the Sidney De Haan Research Centre at Canterbury Christ Church University, the only research institution in the world that focuses on singing and health, says, ‘I think 123sing! is a fantastic idea. It’s a great opportunity for people to come together and sing. A growing body of research shows that singing is good for wellbeing. So people can join in with singing and have a good time and know that it’s doing their health good too.’
Why is singing good for us?
- Singing stimulates happiness, which counteracts feelings of sadness and depression
- Singing involves concentration, which blocks preoccupation with sources of worry
- Singing involves deep controlled breathing, which helps with relaxation
- Singing in groups offers social support and friendship, which relieves feelings of loneliness
Classic FM’s Managing Director Darren Henley says:
‘There’s no better way to bring communities together than making music as a group. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, 123sing! is all about putting aside your inhibitions and getting out there and having a go.’
Making Music’s Chief Executive Robin Osterley says:
‘There has never been a better time to get out there and sing. Singing makes you happy, it’s good for you physically and mentally, and anyone can do it regardless of their personal or financial circumstances. 123sing! is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to come together and raise their voices in song.’
For scores of ideas on how you can run your own 123sing! event and to sign up to take part, visit www.classicfm.com/123sing.
Classic FM is the UK’s largest national commercial radio station with more than 5.5 million people tuning in each week. Programmes are hosted by a diverse range of broadcasters and musicians including Simon Bates, Myleene Klass, John Suchet, Alex James and Margherita Taylor. Since its launch, its aim has been to break down the barriers to classical music and in so doing introduce an entirely new audience to the genre. The station seeks constantly to expand its listener base through groundbreaking new audience initiatives and partnerships. Classic FM is available across the UK on 100 - 102 FM, digital and online at classicfm.com
Classic FM's Music Makers is a grant giving charity which raises money to fund music education and therapy projects working with the most disadvantaged children and adults across the UK. Set up in 2006, our vision is that everyone, regardless of their age, background, education or situation will have equal opportunity to access, enjoy and benefit from the power of classical music. Classic FM’s Music Makers is an appeal run by Global Charities, a registered charity in England and Wales (1091657) and Scotland (SC041475). It relies on fundraising to sustain its work. For further information please visit: www.classicfm.com
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