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There is No Such Beauty: About Belonging in a Chorus

There is no “Me” in Chorus…or is There?

We all know it’s good to be social, right? Human beings have a biological need for social interaction; some seem to have a greater need than others, but we all have the need. In fact, studies have shown the biological benefits of social interaction for many animals, and indeed the deleterious effects of a lack of social interaction.

Photo By Ben White

Now, I like the definition that Susan Cain gives of introvert vs extrovert, wherein an extrovert gains energy from other people, and an introvert feels drained from having too much interpersonal interaction. If you haven’t heard of her, you can get a quick idea of some of Susan Cain’s work through her TED talk.

I also agree with her that there seems to be a societal bias against introversion. She makes the point that schools and workplaces, where we each spend a lot of time, are designed for extroverts.

Photo by Joshua Earle

What is magical about this concept of “Chorus” is that there is room for everyone. Extroverts enjoy the social interaction of a group of people, and introverts can focus more on the music. Extroverts relish the good feeling of expressing themselves to an audience; introverts appreciate the comfortable feeling of being one of many and being in the music. Both gain the benefits of the social interaction.

Extroverts, well, y’all are easy.  Everything is a social interaction for you, groups probably don’t make you nervous, the whole world is your party. Stick an extrovert in a chorus rehearsal and he or she may have the thought “when will the singing be over so I can talk?” Heck, some of you don’t even bother for the singing to be over before you commence to chatting. (Yes, you, in the third row, you know I’m talking about you. Ha!)

Photo by Elena de Soto

But for introverts, trying to meet the need for social interaction can be daunting and sometimes discouraging. There can be an internal pressure: “I really know I should be social but even thinking about going to xyz event is painful.”  The dread of attending social gatherings can be overwhelming.

In the best choruses, many an introvert can find a place. One reason is that it is a structured activity. As an introvert, I find unstructured activities to be stressful. What am I doing with myself? Why am I here? Who are all these people and when can I leave this party/event/barbeque/meet&greet? One of the basses in our chorus has a shirt that reads “Introverts Unite! We’re here! We’re uncomfortable! And we want to go home!” Pretty much.

But in the chorus I am comfortable knowing I belong.

Rise up, follow me, come away is the call, /  With love in your heart as the only sound. / There is no such beauty as where you belong; / Rise up, follow me, I will lead you home.

This gorgeous song by Stephen Paulus with words by Michael Dennis Browne sums up this sentiment elegantly. You can hear it sung here, by the inimitable Conspirare. Follow the draw that is being a part of a chorus, follow that undertow that beckons you, whether you consider yourself introvert or extrovert. Because no matter how you identify, you need social renewal, and what better way to get it than joining together in song? To belong is a beautiful thing.

-Ellen Chase

Associate Artistic Director