One of the things I have learned as a creativity coach is that it is useful to have a secondary pursuit. I have found singing in a choir to be energizing and fulfilling. It also helps me to be a better visual artist. My work  has  improved in part because I am less anxious. As I become less anxious about singing I am becoming less anxious in general.

As you know if you read my essays regularly Gary and I belong to the Joyful Noise choir which is a choir for people who believe they can't sing. We have sung in the choir for several years. Although we aren't yet ready for Carnegie Hall our singing certainly has improved. We are currently busy preparing for our spring concert.

The theme this year is "Africa." We will be singing a variety of African songs as well as songs about Africa. It will be an energetic and moving concert. Can you picture a group of middle-aged Canadians singing and dancing to traditional African music? Well, you might be pleasantly surprised to see the Joyful Noise First Edition Choir.

Picture 80 people mostly above the age of 40 trying to learn the words, music and choreography for our traditional African songs. With the help of guest conductor Scott Leithead we have done a credible job. At first it seemed that we would never learn the unfamiliar words. Next it seemed unlikely that we would master the choreography. Then it seemed clear that no one would be willing to attempt both at the same time. However, at our dress rehearsal last week I was surprised to find a group of choir members who were eager to stand in the front row and strut their stuff while the rest of us gamely tried to follow along.

Several members of Scott's Kokopelli Choir have been helping us learn the dance steps for the various songs. They are young and talented and very supportive. One of the things I have noticed about them is that they seem totally relaxed about how the songs will unfold. Because they seem so relaxed and confident I am having more fun and worrying less.

I am reminded of a lovely documentary about a senior citizen's choir called Young at Heart. The film follows the choir as they prepare for a concert. We are not unlike the elderly choir members as we stumble over words and bump into each other. In the end they delivered a wonderful concert and we will too.

Our choir director Eva Bostrand noted that the whole choir seems more relaxed than we were in the past. Perhaps it is because we are gaining confidence as we gain experience. I suspect there is also an element of humility and generosity. As a group we work hard. We help each other. We trust our director.  

As I learn to manage my stress about singing I am becoming a better singer. Now isn't that interesting? I suspect that the same holds true for my art work. It is amazing that it has taken me so long to learn this lesson.