When the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir welcomed guests to our Voices of the Spirit concert this spring, the room didn’t just fill with sound—it filled with something more profound. A sense of presence. Of togetherness. Of being seen, heard, and held.
It’s hard to describe the alchemy of a choir unless you’ve experienced it: strangers stepping into harmony, building something greater than themselves one note at a time. But for many in our audience and on stage, the choir is more than a performance. It’s a practice in healing. It’s a space for belonging. It’s a lifeline.
At a time when loneliness is rising and mental health challenges are affecting communities across Indiana and beyond, music—especially choral music—is proving to be more than a cultural offering. It’s a tool for wellness.
For centuries, cultures around the world have turned to communal singing to celebrate, mourn, and heal. Today, science is catching up. Research from the University of East Anglia shows that singing in groups can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression while improving quality of life and social connection, particularly among older adults and marginalized populations. A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that group singing significantly increased feelings of social connectedness and self-esteem across all age groups.
In Indianapolis, that truth is personal. Across city neighborhoods and performance venues, we’ve seen how choral music reaches people in ways words alone cannot. A mother grieving the loss of a loved one. A teenager unsure of their place in the world. A senior seeking a connection in retirement. In our rehearsal rooms and the concert hall, they find a kind of sanctuary.
At its heart, a choir is a community. One that listens, lifts, and leans into the idea that every voice matters.
Inclusive choirs—those that welcome participants across age, background, ability, and experience—offer a rare model of unity. They bring people together not based on sameness, but on shared purpose. It’s why so many mental health professionals advocate for music-based group therapy, and why local programs in Indiana, like those through the Indianapolis Women’s Chorus and local school partnerships, continue to expand access to choral singing
And it’s not just emotional support—there are practical benefits, too. According to Mental Health America, Indiana ranks among the top ten states for prevalence of mental illness. Access to affordable, community-based solutions, such as choir, can help reduce isolation and offer meaningful engagement, especially for youth and older adults navigating life transitions.
For the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, inclusion isn’t just an ideal—it’s a responsibility. We know that for many, attending or joining a choir feels intimidating. But when we say Voices for All, we mean it. Whether someone reads music or sings from the heart, whether they’ve trained in conservatories or sing only in the shower, there is room here.
That’s why we’re exploring more ways to bring our programs into the community. Through community sings, accessible performances, and a diverse repertoire that reflects the lived experiences of our audiences, we are committed to making the choral arts a space where everyone belongs.
And in doing so, we’re building something far more potent than applause. We’re building bridges. We’re building trust. We’re building a culture of wellness through the simple, profound act of lifting our voices together.
If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a place for you in music, let us answer: there is. Whether on stage or in the audience, we invite you to experience what happens when harmony becomes community.
Join us in this movement—not just to make music, but to make meaning. To make connections. To make space for every voice, including yours.
Explore upcoming performances and community events on our website and follow along on social media to find your voice in the community.
