When I started my first community choir way back in 1997, most of the singers were in their 40s and 50s.
Some of them are still in the same choir today, now in their 70s and 80s. But where are all the new, younger singers?
In large cities like London and Edinburgh, there are choirs of all types with members of all ages. This reflects the size and cosmopolitan nature of a big city.
But in smaller towns, especially rural ones, choirs seems to be ageing. There may be the odd youth choir here and there, but by and large, the average age of singers in community choirs is increasing.
Why is this?
I don’t think there’s any one reason, but I can think of several possibilities.
people are starting families later – many couples are having their first child in their late 30s or early 40s, which means they won’t have much free time until they’re older.
the cost of living affects hobbies – most people are feeling the financial pinch these days, especially in times of such uncertainty. Leisure pursuits are often one of the first things to go.
the Covid pandemic – it’s easy to underestimate the effects of lockdown. People’s confidence took a severe knock, and things like post-infectious brain fog are still widespread. Many choir leaders noticed a big drop in numbers after lockdown, and those numbers still haven’t returned to pre-Covid levels.
there are more choirs – when I first started out, there was nowhere near as many choirs as there are today. It’s wonderful thing to see singing together becoming so popular. However, that means that the same number of singers is spread more widely. (I don’t really believe this, though — see Build it and they will come – why you can never have too many choirs)
young people need to see themselves – when you walk into a room for the first time, you want to see people like yourself. If a choir is ageing, younger people may not see themselves reflected — and won’t stay.
Solutions?
I don’t have all the answers to how to recruit younger singers (see Are your choir members ageing? If you don’t recruit new singers, your choir may die), but if we don’t, then some choirs will die.
My experience is only anecdotal, so I may be wrong about ageing choirs (I hope so!). Many choir leaders I talk to recognise the problem, but others have thriving choirs with a wide age range of singers (often in larger cities it should be noted).
Do you have any answers? I’d love to hear your thoughts — especially if you’ve found ways to attract younger singers. Do leave a comment and let us know.
Chris Rowbury
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