Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Music Education

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

The purpose of this intrinsic case study was to investigate young singers’ experiences in the Livingston Parish Children’s Choirs organization (LPCC), a community-based children’s choir program in Denham Springs, Louisiana. I investigated the impact of those experiences on the children’s lives inside and outside of the ensemble from the perspective of the artistic director and co-director, parents, and the singers themselves.

The LPCC was founded in 1991 by Barbara Walker and her mother, Regina Walker. According to Barbara Walker, the mission of the organization is “to prepare children to go out and be lifelong singers.” This choral community is characterized by intergenerational participation among family members, and by the high level of music education imparted to the students.

Findings emerged in three main themes: (a) LPCC as an extended family through family ties to the organization and mentoring beyond music-making; (b) self-concept development as a result of singers’ exposure to experiences that nurtured their self-efficacy beliefs, socioemotional development, and their ability to overcome external obstacles with the support of their “choir family”(excerpted from a participant quote); and (c) community connection among participants, parents, alumni, and the broader community.

Date

7-12-2023

Committee Chair

Jason Bowers

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