Blog

At Vasa Drängar, Atlanta’s premier Swedish men’s choir, we believe in the transformative power of music. Singing isn’t just about hitting the right notes—it’s about connecting cultures, celebrating tradition, and enriching lives.

Through our blog, we share our journey, insights, and passion for Swedish choral music. Whether you’re an aspiring singer, a Swedish culture enthusiast, or simply curious about the benefits of music, we invite you to explore our articles designed to inform, inspire, and entertain.

• In Loving Memory of Dale Nordin (NOVEMBER 17, 1937 – OCTOBER 25, 2023)
  by Vasa Drangar
  It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of one of our original choir members, Dale Nordin. He was a cherished member of our Vasa Drängar family. Dale departed this world on October 25, 2023, due to a tragic accident. He was 85 years old and had lived a long, vibrant life. Dale’s… Read more: In Loving Memory of Dale Nordin (NOVEMBER 17, 1937 – OCTOBER 25, 2023)
• St. Lucia: A Swedish Celebration of Light and Song
  by Vasa Drangar
  St. Lucia Day, celebrated on December 13th, holds a special place in Swedish tradition. Rooted in both Christian and pagan customs, this festival is a beautiful celebration of light, music, and goodwill. At the heart of the festivities is the figure of St. Lucia, accompanied by a procession of young girls adorned in white robes… Read more: St. Lucia: A Swedish Celebration of Light and Song
• I Bröllopsgården
  by Vasa Drangar
  August Söderman who lived 1832-1876 is best known among Swedish choirs for his four part composition “Ett Bondbröllop”, which means “A Farmers Wedding”, written in 1868. And this was presumably during a time when a farmer was someone who owned property and was considered quite wealthy. The last of the four parts is called “I… Read more: I Bröllopsgården
• Vårsång (Spring Song) – A classic of classics
  by Vasa Drangar
  Spring songs are a big deal in Sweden. For one thing, the winter is really long and Swedes look forward to some warmer weather, but also because it is such a good excuse to sing spring songs. Perhaps the best known of all spring songs is “Vårsång”, which does mean spring song, but it is… Read more: Vårsång (Spring Song) – A classic of classics
• Understanding Vocal Registers: Chest Voice, Mixed Voice, Head Voice, and Falsetto
  by Vasa Drangar
  As singers, we often hear terms like chest voice, mixed voice, head voice, and falsetto when discussing vocal techniques and vocal range. These terms refer to different vocal registers, which are distinct areas of the vocal range produced by different vibratory patterns of the vocal folds. In this article, we’ll explore these vocal registers and… Read more: Understanding Vocal Registers: Chest Voice, Mixed Voice, Head Voice, and Falsetto
• 10 Reasons You should join a choir for Your Health and Wellbeing
  by Vasa Drangar
  Singing is often associated with joy, emotional release, and bringing people together. But did you know that singing also has numerous health benefits? From boosting your mood to improving lung function, singing offers a wide range of advantages for your overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the top ten reasons why singing is good… Read more: 10 Reasons You should join a choir for Your Health and Wellbeing
• Warning For Water
  by Vasa Drangar
  This is based on a traditional German song, Guckt nicht im wasserquellen, which says Don’t look into the water well. The water is deceitful, but wine is enjoyable. Better look at the wine. This is an old classic among German choirs and has also been covered by Vasa Drängar, here in Atlanta. However in 2007… Read more: Warning For Water
• Discover the Magic of Chorus Concerts
  by Vasa Drangar
  Live music has a transformative power that can touch our souls, uplift our spirits, and bring people together like nothing else. Attending a chorus concert is a remarkable experience that goes beyond simply listening to music. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of harmonized voices, the energy of a live… Read more: Discover the Magic of Chorus Concerts
• Ren som en jomfro
  by Vasa Drangar
  Denmark has been found in some research studies to have the happiest people in the world. They have a generally carefree attitude towards life and part of that may be the world famous Danish aquavit. This is a Danish song that is very often on the repertoire of Swedish choirs. We like signing, we like… Read more: Ren som en jomfro
• The Benefits of Singing in Different Languages
  by Vasa Drangar
  Singing is a universal language that transcends barriers and connects people across cultures. When we embrace the beauty of singing in different languages, we unlock a world of musical diversity and open ourselves up to a myriad of benefits. In this blog, we’ll explore the enriching advantages of singing in different languages and how it… Read more: The Benefits of Singing in Different Languages
• Fåm, Fåm, Fåm, Fåm
  by Vasa Drangar
  This very traditional song was written by an internationally renowned Swedish painter named Anders Leonard Zorn. He attained international success as a painter, sculptor, and etching artist. Among Zorn’s portrait subjects include King Oscar II of Sweden and three American Presidents: Grover Cleveland, William H. Taft, and Theodore Roosevelt. He is best known for his… Read more: Fåm, Fåm, Fåm, Fåm
• Singing At Swedish Crawfish Parties: A Harmonious Feast for the Senses
  by Vasa Drangar
  Welcome to our blog, where we dive into the unique and delightful world of Singing At Swedish Crawfish Parties. Originating from the charming Scandinavian country of Sweden, these festive gatherings are filled with the lively sounds of music, the tantalizing aroma of crawfish, and the joyous melodies that accompany the celebration. In this article, we… Read more: Singing At Swedish Crawfish Parties: A Harmonious Feast for the Senses
• För Att Mänskan Skall
  by Vasa Drangar
  Deeply rooted in Swedish cultural heritage, the Snaps Song tradition holds a special place in celebratory gatherings. Almost always they are based on very familiar traditional melodies or, in this case, on a children’s song. Bä, Bä Vita Lamm, which translates to Baa, Baa white lamb, is known by every swede. In the snaps song… Read more: För Att Mänskan Skall
• Exploring the Neuroscience Behind Singing
  by Vasa Drangar
  Singing has long been recognized as a source of joy and emotional release. It brings people together, uplifts spirits, and creates a sense of unity. But did you know that there is scientific evidence supporting the positive effects of singing on our well-being? In this article, we will explore the neuroscience of singing and how… Read more: Exploring the Neuroscience Behind Singing
• Kvarten – The Beautiful Fourth
  by Vasa Drangar
  Welcome to the blog of Vasa Drängar, the Atlanta based men’s choir. Today we are covering the fourth installment in the series of Swedish Schnapps songs or snapsvisor as it is called in Swedish. Originally people supposedly had first a whole shot, “Helan”, and then second shot was half a shot, “Halvan”. Over time the… Read more: Kvarten – The Beautiful Fourth
• Exploring the Magic of A Cappella Music
  by Vasa Drangar
  Welcome to our blog post, where we embark on a melodic journey into the captivating world of a cappella music. A cappella, derived from the Italian phrase “in the style of the chapel,” is a unique genre that showcases the power and beauty of unaccompanied vocal harmony. In this article, we delve into the essence… Read more: Exploring the Magic of A Cappella Music
• Tersen – The Third Schnapps
  by Vasa Drangar
  At a typical Swedish party there will be plenty of singing. Often in unison, but very often with some added harmonies if there are some qualified singers present. The most common type of song is going to be a schnapps song, but there are many other short humorous songs that people sing. True to tradition… Read more: Tersen – The Third Schnapps
• The Health Benefits of Singing and Eating with Friends
  by Vasa Drangar
  Welcome to Vasa Drängar’s blog, where we will explore the holistic connection between singing and eating with friends, and the profound impact it can have on our overall health and well-being. We firmly believe that fostering positive social connections and engaging in activities that nourish both the body and the soul are essential for achieving… Read more: The Health Benefits of Singing and Eating with Friends
• Halvan: schnapps Number two
  by Vasa Drangar
  Schnapps songs hold a significant place in Sweden’s cultural heritage. Originating in the 18th or 19th century, drinking songs have become a cherished part of Swedish celebrations, such as Midsummer, Christmas, weddings as well as any party where people gather and at least one person can sing. With their catchy melodies and participatory nature, they… Read more: Halvan: schnapps Number two
• Singing Swedish Schnapps Songs: A Spirited Musical Tradition
  by Vasa Drangar
  Welcome to our blog, where we embark on a journey into the lively and spirited world of singing Swedish Schnapps songs. Rooted in Swedish culture and tradition, these songs add a unique touch to celebrations and gatherings which are often accompanied by the clinking of glasses and joyful camaraderie. In this article, we will delve… Read more: Singing Swedish Schnapps Songs: A Spirited Musical Tradition
• Embracing the Joy of Acapella with “Helan Går”
  by Vasa Drangar
  Welcome to our blog post, where today we delve into the joyous world of acapella singing, Swedish party style, with the beloved classic “Helan Går.” This traditional Swedish Schnapps song has been a staple at celebrations for generations, embodying the spirit of camaraderie and merriment. In this article, we explore the infectious charm of “Helan… Read more: Embracing the Joy of Acapella with “Helan Går”
• Joining Vasa Drängar Is a No-Brainer If You Are Male And Love Singing
  by Vasa Drangar
  Are you a male residing in Atlanta with a passion for singing? Look no further than Vasa Drängar, One of Atlanta’s premier male singing groups. In this article, we delve into the compelling reasons why joining Vasa Drängar can be a transformative and enriching experience for male singers in Atlanta. From the joy of musical… Read more: Joining Vasa Drängar Is a No-Brainer If You Are Male And Love Singing
• The Swedish Tradition of Singing Schnapps Songs
  by Vasa Drangar
  What Is a Swedish Snaps-Song?To begin with, to say “Swedish Snaps-Songs” is tautology! All snaps-songs are Swedish. This tradition of writing and singing snaps-songs does not exist outside Sweden and some Swedish-speaking parts of Finland. If you hear a snapsvisa in Denmark or Norway- then you heard a Swedish one or translated from Swedish. HistoryThe… Read more: The Swedish Tradition of Singing Schnapps Songs
• The Tradition of Swedish Choral Singing
  by Vasa Drangar
  Swedish choir-singing has become a trademark of the highest grade. It’s called “The Swedish Choral Wonder”.   It is believed that the Swedish choir movement started in Uppsala in 1808. It happened during a peace march in connection with the war in Finland between Sweden and Russia, when male students sang together in parts. The… Read more: The Tradition of Swedish Choral Singing
• A Quarter Century with Vasa Drängar
  by Vasa Drangar
  In August 1996 seven guys from Atlanta came together to practice singing for the Nordic Lodge #708 at its crawfish party later in the same month. They were Bruce Larson, Sam Linden, Gunnar Carteng, Sten Ekberg, Dale Nordin, Dennis Carlson and Göran Rygert. We were able to put together a 30-minute program from Sweden’s well-known… Read more: A Quarter Century with Vasa Drängar