On the difference between chanting and singing

We chant the liturgy because special words deserve special expression.  Normal speech won't do.  We elevate them into song.  Following that same principle, we also, at the same time, try to minimize our own individuality precisely so that we don't detract from the words.

This means that we don't sing, but chant.  People often suppose they are the same thing, but they are not.  In singing, you hit a note.  In chanting, you drone one.  Chanting dampens the individualistic element of singing.   The point is not to draw attention to yourself.