SOUND IT OUT Backing vocals Jane Dunford discovers how using your voice can let health and wellbeing speak on a whole new level July 2018 BA LA N CE A ccording to Lucy Hill, founder of Chaya Retreats, "Outside the comfort zone is where the magic happens". I've come to try out her 'Finding Your Voice' yoga holiday in Goa, and a group singing lesson with a former opera star is definitely beyond that line for someone who's naturally soft spoken and completely tone-deaf. The multiple benefits of singing together are well documented. It's said it strengthens the immune system, acts as a natural anti-depressant and improves mental alertness. Membership to choirs in the UK has soared over recent years - there are at least 40,000 of them, featuring a staggering 2.14 million people who are singing regularly. So, I swallow my pride (and fear) and give it a go. After warm-up exercises to free tension around the throat, Andrea Finke gently guides us through chords 63