Are men afraid of singing in choirs because it makes them appear less masculine?

That was my frustration, though. I have heard so many men with a decent talent, and I know if they were to try it, they would see how much fun it can really be. But how do you convince someone of that when they don't want to even try it? How do you drum up interest in something they don't even know they might like?

If it is not for them then dont force them. I think you might be good in skydiving so would you come with and try when I go?

*laugh* I'm not talking about forcing anyone - because you'd have to drag me kicking and screaming to get out of a plane with a piece of tarp on my back with strings *giggle*. Kudos for you with the bravery to do it! But I guess what I'm trying to ask is how do you get someone interested in at least trying it?

LOL yeah... but as much as I hate to admit it the only thing that would have gotten me to attempt to sing in my younger days would have been a pretty girl... ala American Pie.

*laugh* I figured that may be one, so I tried to subtley try to exploit that a bit *grin*. I used to tell the girls to go saddle up next to guys they knew that could sing and flirt with them...see if they could get them in choir *grin*. I felt no shame!!

*laugh* for some reason this struck me as funny *grin* I guess I just wish there was a way to make it cool so that people didn't think it was sissy. I mean, men singing used to be the thing...all these barber shop quartets and all...how do you make something like that cool again? Can you think of any ideas that a choir could do that would appeal to a guy?

AMEN AND AMEN!! I'm working on my masters in music education with four years of teaching high school under my belt - I was so frustrated with this - these guys would be joking around in the hall - they'd have awesome pitch retention, but they wouldn't come near my classroom (until of course they saw how cool I was *laugh* yeah right...) - and I would be so ANGRY because they were missing out on an amazing experience! I completely agree with your comments - singing is the best way to deal with the male's change (or several changes rather) in voice. And I had never really thought about the scheduling with sports, but in a lot of cases, you're right. I loved playing volleyball, but I loved music more. I couldn't play in college because the practice was the same time as chor rehearsals, and my major professor said I had to choose...same thing in high school - I played for a while but couldn't continue because I wanted to be in the musicals and stuff. That's why I wish there were more opportunities to do things like this out in the community instead of just when you're in school, you know? Keep me updated! I'm excited to hear about your major - I'm assuming you're vocal - what grades do you want to teach?