Why We Sing
At Chorus Kansas City, every voice comes with a story.
We asked our members a simple question: Why do you sing? Their answers are as diverse and inspiring as the people who make up our choir — stories of joy, healing, connection, and passion for music.
Whether it's the thrill of performance, the comfort of community, or the challenge of learning something new, these reflections speak to the heart of why we come together each week to sing.
Read on to hear from our singers — and maybe find a little of your own story in theirs.
“I sing because it’s truly the most peace I feel all week. Nothing makes me feel more relieved than getting to sing with people of all ages that feel the same way. ”
“Singing brings my heart joy when we are able to bring entertainment and joy to others through our singing!”
“Singing is like a home run! Chorus KC works as a team toward a goal! We always win! Singing brings joy to ourselves and to other people! Makes the world a better place!”
“I love to sing because it makes my heart feel so emotional and gives me chills!!”
“Making any kind of music is just a joy. It’s an rewarding escape from regular life....even though regular life is pretty good. To experience that joy with a group of people you like and who are working hard to experience that same thing is pretty special. ”
“I love the soaring sound of a well-tuned group, and letting my voice fly with them affects me deeply. It is a pleasure to have ongoing interaction with people of all ages and backgrounds. I have made new friends and expanded my life. I’m afraid Chorus Kansas City is stuck with me for decades!”
“I sing to add joy to my life, and to create something beautiful with others.”
“Because it’s a blast! It’s impossible to stay mad when you’re belting out tunes — especially with my wife next to me. Singing with her and our friends? It’s like turning up the joy dial every time.”
“I sing for my grandmother. She raised me ever since I was a little over a year old and she never once missed a performance of mine. She recently passed away, so I am dedicating my time in Chorus Kansas City to her memory. ”
“I sing because music is a great medium to convey thoughts and emotions in many parts of life. I sing to get laughs, manage stress, and of course, to serenade. Love you, Matti! ”
“Singing brings me joy!”
“Singing has changed my life in so many positive ways. It’s how I met my husband, it keeps us close to our kids who also can sing. And it’s something we can do together while meeting other amazing singers to harmonize the world!”
“I sing for all of the feels - happiness, friendship, health, and the spirit of giving and sharing.”
“Singing is good for my brain! I’m happier when I sing regularly, and even more so when I sing with a chorus. ”
“Singing in a choir is an incredible experience, and I have made some amazing and wonderful friends. The power of breathing together and creating something beautiful is good for the body, mind, and soul!”
“My introduction to choir was during high school when the choir director heard my low voice and signed me up. Since than I have had the opportunity to sing with choirs in multiple settings. I dragged Alex to sing with his mother and me in the church choir while he was in high school, and he hasn’t stopped since. I am loving the opportunity to sing with Alex again in a group that has singers from all ages and walks of life. Members of the group care for each other and love to make wonderful music together under the outstanding artistic direction of Dr. Coker, and our exceptional accompanist, Kym Gibbs. ”
“I often say that chorus people are the best everywhere—this has certainly been true in each of the several places we’ve lived. Singing in harmony with others is a special experience, one that I’ve missed since we moved here to Kansas three years ago. When Alex followed us here last year, he was looking for a chorus to sing with, and he and Brian found this really great group. It has been a pleasure to hear them sing together again; I clearly have a soft spot for bass voices. ”
“Since I got really into choir, I couldn’t imagine not being a part of it. I was able to continue it into grad school and as an alumnus. Since 2010 I have been in choir every year (except for Covid online years) and it has been the best years of my life. When I moved out here it gave me the chance to sing with my parents again, which I hadn’t done consistently for almost 15 years (my mom will join the choir too this year). Being in this group gives me a chance to do what I love and be with the people I love. It gives me a chance to be somewhere that I’m appreciated. And I can’t imagine my life without something like this group in it.”
“I have always loved vocal music since High School when I participated in Chorus and Madrigal. I got to be a part of the UMKC Medical and Dental School Chorus during my freshman year of dental school. After that I enjoyed participating in my church choir and leading a contemporary singing group. Subsequent years involved Worship Team, other church choirs, and an a cappella community chorus. When that group disbanded due to our director moving out of town, I found myself really missing the opportunity to regularly participate in choral vocal music. One day about eighteen years ago, one of my adult patients mentioned that she was part of a community chorus that she really enjoyed. I looked into it and signed up. I hadn’t realized how much I had missed being part of a choral group until I found myself looking forward to Tuesday nights and singing with my new friends. Along the way I have acquired many life-long friends who have become so much more than just ‘a group of people I sing with.’ It has been a joy to make wonderful music together, grow as musicians, and share life along the way. ”
“We met in a choir setting as fellow ALTO’s and found we had a ton in common. While we enjoy singing, we also enjoy other activities such as wineries, breweries, restaurants and crafts. Eventually our spouses, who also sing, became best friends as well. As a foursome, we have enjoyed traveling to Mexico along with many small trips in the Midwest. But mostly, we enjoy each other’s company, which might include a beverage or two. While we have become BFF’s, we have also become invested in getting to know each other’s family and friends.
The richness of this relationship would not have been possible had it not been for our love of singing and the choir. A chorus is not just about making music but enjoying and building lifetime friendships.”
Want to add your story to this list? Join us this fall! Registration is open now.