Singing for Our Lives: Building Community, Voice, and Belonging Through Choral Music

By Bri Bergstrom

In a world that often feels hurried, fractured, and loud in all the wrong ways, singing remains a deeply human act of connection. To sing is to breathe together, to listen, to respond, and to belong. When we speak of “Singing for Our Lives,” we are not speaking in metaphor alone—we are naming a truth many choral educators witness every day: singing sustains us. It grounds students emotionally, connects them socially, and gives them a voice that extends far beyond the rehearsal room.

At the heart of our choral program is a simple but powerful belief: students will continue to sing throughout their lives if choir feels like home. Technique, musicianship, and performance excellence matter deeply—but they flourish best in a space where students feel safe, valued, and known. When choir becomes a place of belonging, singing becomes a lifelong companion rather than a temporary academic requirement.

Singing Across a Lifetime

The benefits of singing across a lifetime are well documented—improved mental health, emotional regulation, physical well-being, and social connection. Yet for many students, the decision to keep singing after high school hinges less on skill level and more on identity. Do they see themselves as singers? Do they associate music with joy, community, and support?

In our program, we intentionally frame singing as something you carry with you, not something you age out of. Choir is not just preparation for the next concert, audition, or class—it is preparation for life. We talk openly with students about community choirs, church choirs, collegiate ensembles, and informal music-making. We invite lifelong musicians into our space, collaborate with other choirs, and model what it looks like to keep singing simply because it matters.

Choir as Community and Home

Community does not happen by accident; it must be built, nurtured, and protected. One of the most meaningful structures in our program is our weekly game day. Once a week, rehearsal looks different. Games and community-building activities—designed by the director, choir board, or students themselves—create space for laughter, teamwork, and genuine connection.

These moments are not a break from learning; they are the learning. Students learn how to listen, how to lead, how to include, and how to trust. They learn that choir is a place where they can show up as their full selves. Over time, this intentional investment in relationships transforms the ensemble. When students feel connected to one another, they sing with greater vulnerability, risk-taking, and unity.

For many students, choir becomes the one place in the school day where they feel fully seen. That sense of belonging is not incidental—it is foundational. When students describe choir as their “place” or their “home,” we know we are doing something right.

Student Voice and Shared Ownership

Another pillar of Singing for Our Lives is shared ownership. In our classroom, students are not passive participants—they are collaborators. They help choose concert themes, discuss repertoire, and shape the artistic direction of the program. This process teaches students that their voices matter not only musically, but creatively and intellectually as well.

When students engage in conversations about text, themes, and programming, they develop a deeper connection to the music they sing. They begin to understand that choral music is not just about notes and rhythms—it is about storytelling, identity, and meaning. This sense of agency fosters pride and investment, and it encourages students to see themselves as artists rather than simply performers.

Importantly, shared ownership also builds empathy. Students learn to listen to differing perspectives, to compromise, and to work toward a collective vision. These skills extend far beyond choir and reinforce the idea that singing together is a model for how we live together.

Singing With and For Our Community

Singing for our lives also means singing with and for others. Collaboration is a vital part of our program—whether partnering with other choirs, learning from guest musicians, or performing for our local community. These experiences remind students that music is relational. It exists to connect people, to mark moments, and to offer comfort and hope.

When students sing for their community, they begin to understand the power of their voices beyond the stage. They see firsthand how music can uplift, heal, and bring people together. In times when the world feels uncertain or heavy, these moments of shared music become acts of service—and acts of courage.

Why We Sing

Ultimately, Singing for Our Lives is about more than choral education—it is about humanity. We sing because we need connection. We sing because we need beauty. We sing because sometimes words alone are not enough.

As choral educators, we have the extraordinary responsibility of shaping not only musicians, but people. When we prioritize community, student voice, and lifelong engagement with music, we give students something that lasts far beyond their final concert. We give them a place to belong, a way to express themselves, and a reminder that their voices matter.

And in a world that needs art, music, and singing more than ever, that may be one of the most important things we can do.

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About the Author

Bri Bergstrom is proud to come from the incredible music community of Owatonna, Minnesota. She earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of St. Thomas and has spent the past 14 years teaching music education. Her career began in Belle Plaine, where she taught elementary, middle, and high school music, and continues in St. Peter, where she directs four curricular high school choirs, two middle school choirs, and two extracurricular ensembles.

In addition to her school teaching, Bri serves as the vocal director for both the high school and middle school theater departments, directs University Chorale at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and is the Contemporary Worship Director at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato. She believes music ensembles create one of the most meaningful and essential forms of community students need now more than ever. Bri loves choir deeply and is forever grateful for the support of her family—especially her husband, Isaac, and their children, Eli and Etta.