I sing because I’m happy: an exploration of belongingness among African American males in high school

Abstract

This study examined belongingness as it related to academic achievement. The need for research in this area derives from a sense of urgency and commitment to advocate for academically struggling African-American males with the hope that they will graduate high school in a timely manner. This study utilized the perspectives of 12 African-American male students participating in a predominately African-American choral program for at least two years of their high school careers. The researchers explored the relationship between a choral music program, belongingness, and students’ academic success. The goal was to identify a strategy that will support African-American males socially and academically in educational settings. The focus of this phenomenological research was to provide a first-person account by those people who have a direct experience with the phenomenon. The study revealed that choir participation may have a positive impact on academic achievement.