For many of us, childhood sucked. Forced to live with adults who happen to be our parents, we were told constantly what we could and couldn’t do or say or even feel, punished regularly, insulted and belittled, made fun of by other kids—and this is the kids with decent families. But most kids do get at least one lucky break: they get to sing. Even nowadays, most kids are encouraged at some point to sing in a group of other kids at school or church or summer camp or on a bus. And most adults are not.  Singing along with others is fun, promotes healthy brain development, and has lasting benefits across the entire spectrum of physical and mental health for children and adults. But most of us stop singing as teenagers and never sing again, especially men.  I started singing as a little boy, inspired and encouraged by my grandmother, a warmly loving, caring mother of six and grandmother of twenty. She was her church’s organist and a Sunday school teacher, and she was delighted to have a queer little grandson who loved to sing. It was unquestionably her influence that led to my decision to study music as a voice major at a college conservatory when I was 18.  I had, alas, extreme stage fright and after two years, I dropped out of the music school. I moved to New York to study writing instead. And thereby lost the opportunity to benefit from the healthful and liberating aspects of singing. Now, finally, I’ve returned to it by starting this scrappy new choir where all are welcome to sing together. Canti Tutti, or Everybody Sing, is a new musical group that invites kids and adults of all levels of experience and skill to practice (and eventually, perhaps, perform) a variety of musical styles without the anxiety of perfectionism or judgment.  A rough sound can be as beautiful as the most polished and blended chorus, and amateurs can be as musical as pros. Every type of musical expression is valid. All that’s needed is an intention to make music, some time working at it, and some direction to produce a sound that will please and entertain an audience.  For these reasons, I’m confident that forming this new group will continue to be worthwhile. Even if we never give a public performance, the collective experience of singing together will be fruitful and meaningful.  So if you’re in New York City, join us. And if not, join a local community choir. If you can’t find one, make your own. It will be good for you and those who join you. You can make your own kind of music and you’ll find an audience that will love to hear you sing.  For information about joining Everybody Sing, email CantiTuttiNYC@gmail.com. Our first practice session was at Columbia University on Tuesday February 6, 2024 at 6:30 PM. We meet most Tuesdays at the same time. No fees, no auditions, no commitments required. All ages are welcome.  

--Rick Whitaker