Singing for Social Harmony: Choir Member Perceptions during Intergroup Contact

• Other Authors: Luhrs, Ryan Robert (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Music; Social psychology; Music > Instruction and study
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-9387

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to investigate perceptions of choir members (N = 86) who participated in a one-day choral festival designed to bring together salient racial/ethnic groups. Specifically, this study sought to document: (a) singers' perceptions of intergroup contact conditions--equal status, common goals, cooperation, institutional support, and friendship potential; (b) singers' perceptions of group social cohesion in relation to musical selections performed; (c) singers' stated reasons for participating in the event; and (d) themes emerging from responses to open-ended questions. Data were collected from choir members through a survey instrument adapted from the literature. Category mean score rankings indicated the perceived presence of intergroup contact conditions, from greatest to least, as common goals, cooperation, equal status, institutional support, and friendship potential. In terms of group social cohesion in relation to repertoire, music categorized as African American was perceived as most socially cohesive, followed by music shared by multiple traditions and music categorized as European American. Black/African American, female, and older participants perceived music, no matter the category, more socially cohesive than White/Caucasian, male, and younger participants. Singers indicated being motivated to participate in the event because of musical and social factors, with responses classified as enjoyment of singing and community building most common. Free-response qualitative data was analyzed and coded into six subthemes: formation of a community comprised of diverse peoples, exposure to something new, personal enjoyment, expressed desire for event to continue, criticism of event philosophy and schedule, and disappointment over attendance. Suggestions for future research were provided. === A Dissertation submitted to the College of Music in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. === Spring Semester, 2015. === April 17, 2015. === African American Music, Choral Music, Gospel Music, Group Social Cohesion, Intergroup Contact Theory, Western Hymnody === Includes bibliographical references. === Kevin Fenton, Professor Directing Dissertation; Christopher Moore, University Representative; Judy Bowers, Committee Member; André J. Thomas, Committee Member.