John started with the group singing We Will Rock You with Arthur Zorn at the keyboard. He then went on to describe the “good old days,” the atmosphere in he grew up: singing in the kitchen; gathering around the player piano and the old Victrola; cocktails by the hi-hi; and rocking out on the 8-track with pals in a Ford Maverick. He opined that we live in an increasingly fragmented and isolated society. What is the solution? Community Choirs! He noted that singing is not just singing Mozart and Bach, but there are many choirs that sing all kinds of music. Here in Barre there are the Barre Tones and Rock City and several more throughout Central Vermont. John reported on some of the research of the positive aspects of singing: increases proteins that strengthen the immune ; releases endorphins; tones abdominal muscles and stimulates circulation; improves aerobic capacity; improves mood and helps to relieve stress. He thinks there are two big reasons for singing in a community group: “1) It’s fun and 2) It builds community, most importantly among people who may not get together under other circumstances. They collaborate and create something that is greater than the sum of its parts.” He goes on to say: “Sometimes this is referred to as Social Capital: social connections can play a vital role in our health and the health of our communities. Even if we don’t talk to everyone in the choir, we experience a general feeling of being connected with the group, leading to a sense of increased community and belonging.”