John Rutter: The Importance of Choir

www.jwpepper.com/johnrutter
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The importance of music in our schools can not be overstated. No one understands this more and has more background on the topic first hand than John Rutter. For Music In Our Schools Month, John Rutter shares his beliefs on why choral music "is not one of life's frills" and why more people should take note.
www.johnrutter.com/
Created by J.W. Pepper
Filmed & Edited by Rocco Richardson
Asst. Filming by Frank Guardino
Interviewer: Tom Sabatino
Produced by Frank Dolfe, Rocco Richardson & Scott Grady
Transcript of video: John Rutter's words taken directly from this video:
John Rutter:
“Choral music is not one of life’s frills. It’s something that goes to the very heart of our humanity, our sense of community, and our souls. You express, when you sing, your soul in song. And when you get together with a group of other singers, it becomes more than the sum of the parts. All of those people are pouring out their hearts and souls in perfect harmony. Which is kind of an emblem for what we need in this world, when so much of the world is at odds with itself…that just to express, in symbolic terms, what it’s like when human beings are in harmony. That’s a lesson for our times and for all time. I profoundly believe that.
And musical excellence is, of course, at the heart of it. But, even if a choir is not the greatest in the world, the fact that they are meeting together has a social value. It has a communal value. And I always say that a church or a school without a choir is like a body without a soul. We have to have a soul in our lives. And everybody tells me, who has sung in a choir, that they feel better for doing it. That whatever the cares of the day, if they maybe meet after a long day’s school or work, that somehow you leave your troubles at the door. And when you’re sitting there, making music for a couple hours at the end of the day, that’s the only thing that matters at that moment. And you walk away refreshed. You walk away renewed. And that’s a value that goes just beyond the music itself.
Of course, as a musician, I put the music at the heart of it, but all of these other values just stand out as a beacon. I think our politicians need to take note…my gosh do they ever! [laughs], and our educators, those who decide education budgets, church budgets, just need to remember it’s not a frill. It’s like a great oak that rises up from the center of the human race and spreads its branches everywhere. That’s what music does for us. And choral music must stand as one of the supreme examples of it.”

[@khappy1286]

I am in choir for 4 months after years of brain damage. It is healing part of my mind somehow- it makes me so peaceful and content. Now Im learning there is scientific evidence for that.

[@jwpepper1876]

It's wonderful that you're finding singing in a choir to be so beneficial for you. Our best wishes as you continue to heal.

[@Deejaay83urj38]

It's a fact that music benefits the brain. Music practice in the morning has been shown to increase brain health. Singing builds the immune system. But don't disregard the astonishing effects of plant treatments. Ginko biloba in the morning and turmeric combined with black pepper. Ginsing, a quality type. If your serious about it . . Kind regards

[@MarieAstridZeinstra]

Don't you just love this man for his music AND his wisdom! I do, thank you for the music. My life never was complete without a choir (preferably more than one), and still as a choral conductor I feel the longing to sing in harmony with other singers.

[@karenalder8984]

My Church Choir allowed me to sing with them although I was a very weak voice link in the chain. But my heart and soul was full out singing.

[@JeffryACozzensEdD]

My best days as a high school principal was going to the choir room and sing with my students after school. It was wonderful! I can only say a big amen to this outstanding musician.

[@nataliecorwin1568]

I agree with this choir is the highlight of my life in singing and enjoy being with other people lifts my soul in harmony.

[@ronaldcousino1165]

I find our soul is missing in our Temple since we no longer have a choir. How well put Mr Rutter. Thanks to Norm Greenberg for sharing!

[@florencesadler378]

Wonderful to hear from such a fine musician himself!

[@davaruby5616]

Choir singing definitely add a beauty to a worship service. Remember one story,while on earth,one man enjoyed very much that particular choir singing.So,he requested God & God granted him to hear their voices from above.After sometime,he asked God,"Why am i hearing only one voice?"God answered,yes, my son,"That is the only one voice praises me truly from his/her heart".

[@dianeschwartz5518]

Thank you John. I couldn’t agree more. Singing in the southern Utah Heritage Choir is a highlight of my life and hopefully for all those who attend our concerts.

[@kharding2710]

I so agree about it being a community showing, & sharing one heart. I love to hear the children in our school choir, it brings them joy, & I am in 3 choirs. It brings light, sound, rhythm & soul, teamwork, selflessness. It's hard work most times but I would hate to have Christmas without my choir, it really makes my Christmas. There are times in the year when our church choirs are on hold, that's why I joined Natural Voices, local people that love to sing. We had our 1st performance this week & it went well.

[@julianapohan5842]

The important of music

[@EL-oz1mf]

I was so moved by what he said that I got tears in my eyes. Music can be gentle yet powerful.

[@lisbethkoefoedjensen6229]

Listening to a person who speaks directly from his heart I feel grateful

[@chopincookies]

"...When human beings is in harmony" That's why choral music is my most precious thing in my life. And I would like to sing forever to meant that this love won't die from my heart. The Importance of Choir By John Rutter.

[@luk5935]

So proud that sir John Rutter is gonna come and conduct the excellent choir " La Cantoria " of Lyon, ma sister is part of this choir, congratulations to them and thank you Sir John Rutter to do them this great and unforgettable honor !

[@voxelbits7]

Powerful words in light of this pandemic. Gosh, I really miss our church choir and hope we can come back together soon.

[@pinkyh9778]

THANKYOU SO MUCH JOHN!! You expressed the benefits of being in a choir so Beautifully and Eloquently I don't think many people could put it across any better I feel so Blessed to have the benefit of being part of A choir even more and hope many others also experience it for themselves too 😄🎵🎶 God Bless you for putting it so well😘🙏

[@haraldb100]

I agree after 60 years in choirsinging and conducting!

[@Highinsight7]

So true...

[@sarahoneill8207]

John Rutter, you are amazing. So beautifully put.

[@fuller2000]

Oh my, yes. Sharing with all my choral groups. Thank you, thank you.

[@HowardMielkePhD]

What an amazing and soul touching comment about choir music.

[@Luca-gj9xn]

Rutter is really brilliant! My choir sang "Candlelight Carol" during one of our last performances using a new arrangment. Write this in the search: you will love it for sure! Corale Novarmonia - Candlelight Carol (J. Rutter)

[@furyprime]

We release in music the essence of our souls, and in music our spirits thus are fed.

[@christinamiller4660]

so PERFECTLY said. You can see it on the faces of those who sing joyfully!

[@mybizzykitchen]

And this is why I sing. It is part of me.

[@margaretgreenspan7791]

AMEN!

[@thomasgaul4713]

I just can go with him as I had been in a choir singing his songs. In part the choir had been semi professional but it went out just beautiful. It had always been a one choir with so to say angel voices.

[@agneskramer-hamstra7928]

Edward Baugh's "It Was the Singing": It was the singing, girl, the singing, it was that that full my throat and blind my eye with sunlight. Parson preach good, and didn’t give we no long-metre that day and Judge Hackett make us laugh to hear how from schooldays Gertie was a rebel and everybody proud how Sharon talk strong about her mother and hold her tears. But the singing was sermon and lesson and eulogy and more, and it was only when we raise “How Great Thou Art” that I really feel the sadness and the glory, wave after wave. Daddy Walters draw a bass from somewhere we never hear him go before, and Maisie lift a descant and nobody ask her, but it was the gift they bring, it was what they had to give and greater than the paper money overflowing the collection plate. It was then I know we was people together, never mind the bad-minded and the carry-down and I even find it in my heart to forgive that ungrateful Agnes for everything she do me and I sing and the feelings swelling in my chest till I had to stop and swallow hard. Then sings my soul, my saviour God to thee, How great thou art, how great thou art… and we was girls again together, Gertie and me by the river, and then the singing was like a wide water and Gertie laughing and waving to me from the other side. Girl, I can’t too well describe it. Was like the singing was bigger than all of we and making us better than we think we could be, and all I asking you, girl, is when my time come to go, don’t worry make no fuss bout pretty coffin and no long eulogy, just a quiet place where gunman and drug addict don’t haunt, and if they sing me home like how they sing Gertie I say thank you Jesus, my soul will sleep in peace. from It Was the Singing, Kingston, Jamaica: Sandberry Press, 2000. 36-37.

[@solmaior4771]

Totally agree! Greetings from Brazil,

[@laylahawkins1915]

I watched this cause my choir teacher told me to lol it actually makes some pretty good points

[@adapa22]

Thank you John Rutter for your clarity and excelent music I hay the priviledge to sing ! God bless you.

[@thetremaines7292]

Beautifully said; this is why we are making our catalogue of music available to choruses and choirs worldwide today ⭐

[@AcebassII]

Excellent. Thank you!

[@davisgloff]

spot on. I'll be sharing this.

[@betcoch]

I couldn't agree more. Choral singing is the love of my life.

[@angelseven77]

Wonderful!!!

[@judyroberts499]

I so agree and I love that piece.

[@carolewoodmansee8044]

I love this and so agree!

[@patriciaaraka1447]

Nice encouraging words

[@trumcrum]

A picture paints a thousand words while music expresses that for which there are no words.

[@josefinaself-lovecoach]

Paul Griffin, where’d you get that quote?

[@sylviamartin3445]

stated perfect....

[@WAKirsten]

Paul Griffin Beautiful.

[@mercysmith]

Choir has been almost the top food for my soul.

[@CENTRALISLIPCONCERTCHOIR]

Could not agree more- beautifully said.

[@xtcultrex]

Rutter never disappoints!

[@sylviamartin3445]

this is brilliant and i love what you said about children...after schoool i wish i had a voice because i would start a choir.....xxxx thank you!

[@khappy1286]

My choir director cant sing any more she said but she directs us at church.

[@damarislorenzoni6537]

I would like to have your permission to add subtitles in portuguese in this video. There is so much wisdom and truth in what he says, that I would like to share it with my friends.

[@classicalguitareterna]

Excellent!

[@rendhynovian208]

I'm your big fan sir...

[@KitMcLellan]

So perfectly true.

[@geraldinecrowley9172]

Brilliant Composer

[@sewfabulousinc.404]

Amen!!!

[@luk5935]

Yes we have to have a soul with music

[@homeofwoofie1]

Couldn't agree more.

[@VallaMusic]

Amen. Awomen. Ahhhheveryone.

[@piotrgrinholc7045]

Deep True Master!

[@sercangaceira]

Perché siamo tutti rami dello stesso Grande Albero! ❤

[@odd-steinararntzen886]

To the creator of Light!

[@kathybushell3942]

very wise

[@jackschimmelman4897]

his feelings about choral music is how i feel and part of the reason I am developing this choral work on Martha's Vineyard. You can read about it here: www.scribd.com/doc/232356777/1854-Background

[@reneout1000]

That is what makes this word a better place.

[@CherylCuddeback]

How true this is! My two cents? Whether it's The Andrew Sisters, The Beatles or a church choir, voices singing together is just what John Rutter speaks of.

[@lallydeboux541]

💕

[@miraimee04]

I wonder what he would say about church choirs becoming only backup vocals for the worship leader; no anthems or choral pieces, just mainstream worship songs

[@stephenmayer7445]

God delights over us with singing.-from the book of Zephaniah in the Bible. So should we,likewise,delight over Him with singing and musical instruments.

[@tomfrank4729]

That was alto out there

[@tomfrank4729]

Yes is there a 5'10" 65 year old a

[@fridastawski8632]

no me cabe la menor duda que la musica y el canto son una necesidad muy importante en nuestros corazones me interpretaste mal solo dije que me gustaria entender lo que cantan para completar mi emocion ah tambien te cuento que cante en un coro de la comunidad JUDIA mucho tiempo solo me gustaria que no lo tomes como un agravio ME GUSTA

[@cynthiaroxasjaqueca7518]

Choir and the music is the illustrated board of the holy Mass in a catholic church...they illustrate or they define the Holy Gospel...so the parishioner they know what Gods wants to say to the people.....tru their songs

[@BackToOrthodoxy]

I am convinced that this is the type of music will be singing unto the Lord in heaven.

[@handyatmusic]

At the beginning, watching his mouth silently form his words in slow motion black and white looks kinda creepy. Just sayin' . . .

[@just-olive]

bruh- wtf

[@fridastawski8632]

lastima no entender lo que ese señor dice debe ser muy interesante

[@MiguelGalhofo]

+frida Stawski Música coral não é um simples adorno da vida. É algo que toca ao coração, à nossa humanidade, ao nosso senso de comunidade, e às nossas almas. Quando se canta, expressa-se o que vai na alma. E quando no reunimos com um grupo de outros cantores, torna-se mais do que a soma das partes. Todas essas pessoas estão derramando os seus corações e as suas almas em perfeita harmonia. Que é uma espécie de emblema para o que precisamos neste mundo, quando grande parte do mundo está em desacordo ... que apenas para expressar, em termos simbólicos, o que é como quando os seres humanos estão em harmonia. Isso é uma lição para os nossos tempos. Eu acredito profundamente. Mas, mesmo se um coro não é o maior do mundo, o facto de que eles estão reunidos tem um valor social. Tem um valor comum. E eu sempre digo que uma igreja, ou escola ou comunidade sem um coral é como um corpo sem alma. Nós temos que ter uma alma em nossas vidas. E todo mundo me diz, que tem cantado em coro, que se sentem melhor por fazê-lo. Que todas as preocupações do dia, depois da escola ou de um longo dia de trabalho, que de alguma forma ficam à porta. E quando você está sentado ou em pé lá, fazendo música por algumas horas no final do dia, que é a única coisa que importa no momento. E você vai embora refrescado. Você caminha para longe renovado. E isso é um valor que vai um pouco além da música em si. Claro que, como um músico, eu coloquei a música no coração de tudo, mas todos estes valores apenas se destaca como um farol. Eu acho que os nossos políticos precisam tomar nota! E os nossos educadores, aqueles que decidem os orçamentos da educação, orçamentos da igreja, só precisa se lembrar que a música coral não é um simples adorno. É como um grande carvalho que se eleva a partir do centro da raça humana e espalha os seus ramos em todos os lugares. Isso é o que a música faz por nós. E música coral deve ficar como um dos exemplos supremos de ele ".

[@cadencestewart7586]

Mrs kings choir 👊👊👊😆😆

[@notestinerobert]

Visit great Cathedrals, see what happens when the music starts.

[@AntPDC]

+Robert Notestine I couldn't agree more.

[@bambino100011]

The 13 people who disliked this video probably have no soul.....

[@andchad723]

Yo is any one else here for Mr. Herbert

[@TheBflyEffect]

ayyyyyy What choir are you in

[@andchad723]

@@TheBflyEffect Bella voce what about you :)

[@TheBflyEffect]

@@andchad723 me too

[@andchad723]

@@TheBflyEffectoh wait i just read your username hello its Elliot lmao

[@TheBflyEffect]

@@andchad723 this is great

[@sambrinkley9120]

So. Dog-gone. True.

[@drnickyp]

exophthalmos? gnathoschisis?

[@paulbarrientos7113]

Lois Phillips, Ingrid, Linda Wilson, Jon Morrison. I like his philosophy, but still don't care for his music.

[@nicola-janekemp9322]

Yes indeed - pithy and eloquent....

[@walterwhite5961]

fake

[@Bullard6311]

Nope! It's quite real!