Name
2011 - We Belong Through Song
Date & Time
Thursday, July 30, 2026, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Description
Since 2018 and empowered by the motto, “We Love to Sing Because We Are Able,” SingAble, the award-winning multigenerational community inclusive choir at the University of Alberta, provides choristers of all ages and at all stages of life with an opportunity to bridge boundaries and meaningfully explore and experience joyful community building through voice building, regardless of ability, disability or socioeconomic status. With sound health, wellbeing, equity and diversity at the heart of the SingAble concept, this workshop explores the genesis, processes and practices whereby a diverse and resilient community of singers can successfully be brought together to truly “Celebrate Musical Belonging.”Punctuated through story as well as opportunities for joyous communal singing, the “We Belong Through Song” workshop identifies, defines and critically examines key terms, concepts, frameworks and research which support inclusive choral communities. Pedagogical guidance for programming and repertoire for use within an inclusive choral context to accommodate diversity and equitable representation will be explored alongside an examination of rehearsal techniques to encourage a more welcoming, adaptable, accommodating, and psychologically safe environment for singers with diverse backgrounds, abilities and identities. Within a current climate whereby governments, educational institutions and other organizations around the world are abandoning EDI initiatives, a fundamental question is prompted: “Is it possible to truly Belong through Song? This workshop will provide an avenue whereby the theoretical pillars which inform inclusive choral endeavours are fulsomely regarded through the lens and influence of presentational and participatory performance traditions. With discussion informed by comparison, contrast and identification of tensions that exist between presentational and participatory performance practices, the “We Belong Through Song” workshop offers a yet more profound understanding of what it means to “Celebrate Musical Belonging” through inclusive singing and through song.
Location Name
210A - Poster Gallery
Session Type
Poster Presentation
Presenter(s)
Ardelle Ries
Poster Board
20