How I Learned to Sing: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology of One Southeastern African American Church Choir

• In Event: 46.064 - Music Education as Social Justice

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological inquiry was to describe how participants have learned to sing through long-term membership in one Southeastern African-American church choir. Data collection included sixteen observations, 26 individual, and three focus group interviews. Participants ranged from 25 to 62 years of consistent participation. Utilizing Young’s (2000) definition of social justice as a theoretical lens, findings indicated that participants desired to dedicate themselves to a church ministry, and their love of gospel music helped them experience self-development and self-fulfillment. Building a choir family, connecting with one’s own voice, and feeling inspired by the director was also important to participation. The essence of the experience was participants’ spiritual and musical growth through long-term commitment to God and the choir.

Author

• Elizabeth Cassidy Parker, Temple University