SINGING AS THERAPY: "ZDRAVO DA STE" YOUTH CENTER LAUNCHES NEW CHOIR SECTION

A positive atmosphere, good vibes, laughter, and relief from the daily challenges and stress are what participants of the new choir section, launched by the "Zdravo da Ste" Youth Center, can expect during rehearsals.

PHOTO: Glas Srpske

This was highlighted for "Glas Srpske" by the center's coordinator, Snježana Blagojević, who added that participants would also work on overcoming stage fright and improving their musical literacy, which, as she pointed out, often remains on the sidelines since elementary school.

“The idea for this has been around for some time, but it was waiting for the right moment. Last summer, as part of our 'Creative August' Festival, we organized a singing workshop for children, which turned out to be quite popular. So, we decided to develop it into a long-term activity this year, bringing together different age groups,” Blagojević explained.

According to her, the choir section will collaborate with other groups, such as the guitar and percussion sections, to perform as a vocal-instrumental ensemble.

“Our goal is to revive the former popularity of 'social networks' that existed long before today's digital social media. Nowadays, we often see how social networks on mobile devices lead people into loneliness, isolation, and a world detached from reality. Choirs used to be a massive phenomenon and the most popular form of socializing, where people met, exchanged news from their communities, fell in love, started families, traveled, and bonded through music and song,” Blagojević said.

As for age limits, the minimum age for participants is 15.

“This is because of vocal maturity and the development of the entire singing apparatus. There is no upper limit, as singing is for everyone. These gatherings often break generational barriers, as music and singing know no age,” Blagojević emphasized, inviting all interested citizens to join.

She explained that the choir section will primarily focus on proper breathing techniques, as many people breathe incorrectly for years without realizing it, which can lead to various health issues.

“The second part of the program will be dedicated to rehearsing a diverse repertoire, including covers of popular pop and rock songs, choral music classics, and traditional songs adapted for multi-voice singing. If we progress well as a group, we aim to introduce choral theater, which involves bringing songs to life through body movement and choreography,” Blagojević stated.

Registration and Membership Fee

Registrations for the choir section are open until the end of February, but interested individuals can also attend a trial session afterward.

“To start, while our group is still forming, rehearsals will be held once a week for 90 minutes. As we develop and work on our music program, we will add additional sessions during the week. New members can join at any time, and the first session is free. Anyone who wishes to continue will pay a monthly membership fee of 50 KM,” said Snježana Blagojević.

The section will be led by an experienced and enthusiastic professional from Serbia, whose background includes applied music studies, as well as years of experience in choirs and vocal ensembles.