A Case Study: Middle School Boys’ Perceptions of Singing and Participation in Choir

Abstract

The purpose of this intrinsic case study was to learn about the perceptions of singing and participation in choir of the author’s eighth grade choir students. Specific areas of focus included insight on why the eighth grade boys sing and enjoy singing, perceptions of singing in a daily choir class, and perceptions of singing in an auditioned after-school choir. Primary data collection techniques included one formal group interview with the five boys, informal field notes, concert programs, difficulty level of choral music, and the author’s personal insights and observations as the boys’ choir teacher and participant observer. Four primary themes emerged: singing, other people, Choralier Men, and silliness. This study cannot be generalized to the general population of eighth grade boys or middle school choir. However, other middle school choral teachers may recognize similarities between the author’s teaching practices and their own, and benefit from consideration of these findings.