Children learn life lessons through music at First United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge

Children's choirs are about more than just music at First United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge.

The church has two children's groups within its choir program, one a choir for kindergarten through second graders, and the other for third through fifth graders.

"A huge part of our mission is teaching kids to learn the music and the musical skills, but we also think that music teaches more," said Holden Miller, associate director of music and church organist. "It teaches them about life skills, socialization and leadership. And it also teaches them about how to be team players because you can't have a choir or a group of musicians and do it alone."

The program went dormant during the COVID pandemic, and the church has been rebuilding it since. In doing so, Miller is making sure the participants are learning a few life lessons along the way.

Right now, the two programs have a combined membership of 30, which mostly consists of children who attend the church. But that doesn't mean membership is limited to only those children.

"We are also very open and welcoming to others outside the church," Miller said. "That's something we're actually really trying to reach out to and provide musical experiences for kids outside of the walls of our church."

Miller is planning one outreach project for next summer, when the church hosts a music and arts camp for kids. But that will be next summer. For now, focus is on the children's choir programs, where the two groups perform twice per term or semester.  

Miller has witnessed the difference the program has made in the kids' lives.

"I think their experience opens the door for people of a lot of different backgrounds to work and talk with one another," he said. "I think that's true for children, and I think it's true for adults, as well."

He added that the choir is a unique unifier for those children who are involved in sports and other areas of the arts. 

"When you come to choir practice, you're able to leave a lot of baggage at the door, take part, enjoy and learn alongside one another — and hone skills that I feel like people aren't getting as much of everywhere else," Miller said.

Studies show that singing improves social bonding and social cohesion, as well as creates a sense of community. According to the Sing Up Foundation, an organization in England focused on enhancing children's development through music, singing with others enhances empathic relationships and generates positive group identity, which improves mental health.

"Singing is an intimate activity and when you share it with others, it helps strengthen bonds. Research has shown that group singing (no matter the quality of the results) is an excellent icebreaker and has even been shown to synchronize the heartbeats of those people singing together," according to singupfoundation.org." 

Miller believes that much of this type of socialization was lost during the pandemic, when singing was put on the back burner. He wants to bring it back to the light. 

"It is important, and it teaches so much more than just musical skills," he said. "It teaches about life and knowledge and how to be with one another."

Finally, Miller believes the program offers ways to inspire others. Both choir groups allow participants to express their individual talents and understand people from different backgrounds. 

"That's one of the beautiful things, to me, about music — how much it can encompass, and it feels like a natural way to me," he said. "You can teach a lot to people without them really knowing that they've just learned something."