Adult Chorus

The OACC Adult Chorus includes singers from 16-85+ years of age. Singers from across the adult lifespan join together to make truly beautiful choral music. This makes it possible for members from different generations of the same family to all sing together, if so desired. The singers in the OACC adult chorus come to us with a wide range of previous singing experience, musical backgrounds, and abilities. Working together with the director, they learn how to sing in a more healthy manner (to preserve their voices so that they can sing for many years!) and how to improve their overall singing ability, both as an individual singer and as a member of a larger group of singers, the chorus. Additionally, the OACC Adult Chorus is offered frequent opportunities to perform with other singers from all over SE Iowa and with a professonal symphony orchestra, as part of the SEISO Adult Chorus (Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra)

Why Sing in a Community Chorus?

Many high quality/peer-reviewed research studies have shown that singing in a chorus positively affects both the physical and mental health of adults of all ages.

Click on each topic below for a pull-down menu with links to research studies and articles.

  • Singing enhances and preserves memory function.

    Researchers found that singing songs learned at a younger age caused a spontaneous return of autobiographical details for many people (e.g., with Alzheimer’s and other types of Dementia)

  • Improved Immune System Function
    Singing has been found to boost your immune system and help you fight off illnesses. Singers (vs. only listeners) showed higher levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody your body secretes to help you fend off infections.

    The Perception of Pain
    Singing decreases pain (increases your pain threshold) through the release of endorphins (they help promote positive feelings, and can change your perception of pain). Effects of choir singing or listening on secretory immunoglobulin A, cortisol, and emotional state.

    Singing and Snoring
    Singing can decrease severity of snoring (improves sleep).

    Singing and Respiratory Function/Breathing
    Singing involves deep breathing and the controlled use of muscles in the respiratory system. It may be beneficial for certain lung and breathing conditions (COPD; MS; Asthma). Singing also improves posture, core strength and stability, and overall strength and flexibility of muscles.

    Singing and Blood Health
    Singing increases the amount of oxygen in your blood.

    Singing Improves Speech Production
    Scientists have researched the effects of singing among people who have a hard time with speech due to a neurological condition.

  • Singing Together Increases Feelings of Trust and Social Connection/Bonding
    People who sing together in a group report a higher sense of wellbeing and meaningful connection than people who only sing solos. The positive effects of group singing are found to be true for all socioeconomic groups, even for adults suffering from severe poverty and/or homelessness.

  • Singing Improves Self-Esteem and Overall Well-Being
    Singing decreases stress levels and acts as a stress-reliever (decreased cortisol levels were found in individuals after vs. before singing). Singers in a group singing workshop reported improvements in their mental health, mood, sense of well-being, and feeling of belonging as a result of these singing workshops.

    Singing can Help with Feelings of Grief
    It can help with the emotional pain felt after you’ve lost someone you love. Group singing can be a good option for people who need additional support during a time of grief.

  • Psychophysiological, social, emotional, and mental effects of singing on older adults.

    Effects of singing in long-term care facilities and outcomes for persons with dementia.

 Gallery