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Celebrate the longest day of the year with Men on the Rock concert

Bowen's all-male choir is singing Thursday and Friday
Bowen’s men's choir, Men on the Rock.
Bowen’s men's choir, Men on the Rock.

Why do men sing together?

We have done it since ancient times.  Hard to know about caveman choirs, but work songs, war chants and religious texts have long been sung by men in groups. Certainly women have their own gender-specific song circles, but as a member of Men on the Rock, I have been wondering if men are not motivated intocollective song by a very separate masculine need. 

In case you have not heard of us, we are Bowen’s 100 per cent male choir, except for our choral director, Nicole, who is 100 per cent female. 

Work songs eased toil for sailors, miners, farmers and soldiers by synchronizing their rhythm of action, and breathing, helping them to focus on tasks. Sea shanties, for instance, followed the rhythms of jobs such as winding the capstan, hoisting the yards, or hauling nets. Likewise railroad songs like “Steel Driving Man” served to coordinate the driving of spikes with sledgehammers.

For men, there are numerous social and physical benefits to belting out songs with other guys: comradery, respite from family duties, and the special humour which men share in one another’s company. By the latter I refer not to coarse themes, but to that brand of male verbal rough - housing which promotes bonding and collective action. And this goes to the core of the titular question: choral singing for men is an action;men sing seeking ephemeral accomplishment,not a concrete product, similar to team sports.  Men love to focus together through “doing” together.  It is a gas, frankly.

Our choir director, Nicole Thomas Zyczynski, has led choirs for the past 28 years (but claims MOR is the most fun ever). She toured and performed in Europe for many years in a variety of bands.  Her rich talents as a composer, instrumentalist and arranger are apparent throughout our concerts. She’s a fireball.

Nicole Thomas Zyczynski
Men on the Rock choral director Nicole Thomas Zyczynski. - Nicole Thomas Zyczynski

It should be noted that Nicole, like many Boweners, is facing the loss of her rented home and is seeking anotherin which she can host rehearsals for our swelling ranks.  Fifteen fellas and growing take up some square footage.  Any leads appreciated.

We perform, with guests Buff Allen, Peter Clarke, Peter Dives, Dal McCrindle Thursday June 21 at Cates Chapel and Friday June 22 at Tunstall Bay Beach Club. Eight p.m. both evenings. Tickets $20 at the Pharmacy or the door. TBBC members $10 on Friday.