Capitalizing on community music: a case study of the manifestation of social capital in a community choir

Abstract

There is an extensive literature on social capital and its generation and use in communities, but less is known about the ways in which social capital is manifested in community music settings. The literature suggests that social capital is evidenced through a range of `indicators', including trust, community and civic involvement, and networks. This article reports the findings of a research project that examined the manifestation of social capital in a community choir in regional Tasmania. The study employed multiple data-generation methods including survey, field notes, and artefact-elicited, semi-structured interviews in a qualitative interpretive case study design. An analysis of narrative approach was used to interrogate data generated with the 27 members (the Tutti) of the `Milton' Community Choir, and to identify those social capital indicators present. Through analyses of these data, findings suggest that the social capital indicators identified in the literature, specifically those of shared norms and values, trust, civic and community involvement, networks, knowledge resources, and contact with families and friends are present in the community choir. Further, a previously unemphasized social capital indicator, that of fellowship, is identified as a key component in fostering group cohesion and social capital development in the community choir.

Community, commitment and the ten ‘Commandments’: Singing in the Coro Furlan, Melbourne, Australia

“…Hays points out that 'one of the primary functions of music is to enhance the quality of individual experience and human relationships ' (2005: 28). Belonging, caring and valuing others is a feeling valued by community groups (Langston and Barrett 2008) and shared music making can be a way of achieving this. Hays et al found that music could be incorporated 'into social programs that assist older people in maintaining self-esteem, building bridges between people, providing an opportunity for working together, aiding in the sharing of memories, and fostering social interests, to name but a few of the benefits ' (2002: 173).…”

The role of choral singing in the lives of amateur choral singers in Iceland

“…Previous research has demonstrated that individuals who participate in choral activities gain an increased wellbeing and a better health (Bailey and Davidson 2005;Balsnes 2012;Bell 2008;Clift and Hancox 2001;Clift et al 2007;Durrant 2005;French and MacDonald 2011;Langston and Barrett 2008;Palmer 2008). As an example, it is worth mentioning research by Beck et al on professional singers (2000) and research by Kreutz et al (2004) on amateur singers.…”

Drumming in the transcultural imagination: Taiko, Japan and community music making in Aotearoa/New Zealand

“…In other words, the context that has been constructed allows the learning process to take place, and, ultimately, Takumi generates its own cultural capital and meaning (Jones 2010: 295-96;cf. Bell 1992;Langston and Barrett 2008).…”