'It's cool because we like to sing:' Junior High School Boys' Experience of Choral Music as an Elective

Abstract

This study examines the participation of junior high school boys in choral music. Informants were eleven males, three females, and the teacher of a twenty-seven member grade 8/9 class at a suburban school. Data collection techniques included interview, observation, participant observation, and the examination of material culture. Data analysis involved the preparation of field notes and interview transcripts, document analysis, and study of the field note/interview text. Triangulation was achieved through the cross-referencing of informant statements and researcher observations. Four major themes emerged: motivation to join and remain in the choir; acquisition of musical skills, knowledge, and attitudes; repertoire preferences; and perception of the choral experience. Factors motivating boys' membership in choir were love of singing, teacher influence, and peer influence. Boy choristers were musically skilled, knowledgeable and articulate. They had clear though varied repertoire preferences. Perceived benefits from choir membership are discussed according to musical, non-musical, social, and teacher aspects.