Embracing Positionality: An Introductory Primer to Inclusive Choirs

[Vox Camerata’s Artistic Director reflects on the initial conversations he had with the new associates on community music making and active participation]

In my years conducting Vox Camerata Community Choir, I've learned that acknowledging positionality is crucial for creating an inclusive and empowering environment. Positionality refers to how our lived experiences, identities, privileges, and relationships shape our perspectives and worldviews. Vox Camerata’s mission and values remain the same when it was founded in 2005- All are welcome, we make good choral music together, and no one gets left behind. This trinity that drives Vox Camerata Community Choir can be an insurmountable challenge to hold on to given that the vast repertoire that they perform are almost exclusively acapella. For many in my choir, this is their first formal musical experience, unlike myself who had access to music education from an early age.

Too often, many new conductors take for granted the musical fluency that comes with years of training. We risk alienating those without that background by defaulting to traditional pedagogical approaches. I have observed that when a new conductor first introduced a new choral work, they assumed the choir could read the music and grasp the cultural context. However, when working with a community choir, what is needed is to provide historical, musical and cultural context, to tell the story behind the piece, and to guide them through the notation. This simple shift in perspective will help the choir connect with the music on a deeper level.

The concept of "third space" from scholars like Homi Bhabha reminds us that new possibilities emerge when different perspectives intersect. As a conductor, we may have technical expertise, but the choir members bring invaluable insights rooted in their own positionalities. Furthermore, A choir member's cultural heritage might offer a more authentic interpretation of a folk song than any academic understanding.

Recognizing positional privilege is also key. As conductors, we need to remain aware of the power dynamics at play and create an environment where all voices are heard and valued. This could mean adjusting our language, being open to feedback, and ceding control when appropriate.

Embracing positionality requires self-reflection and a willingness to unlearn traditional practices that may inadvertently marginalize certain groups. Stuart Hall's work on cultural identity highlights how identities are constantly evolving and negotiated. As a conductor, we must remain attuned to the diverse identities within the community choir and how they shape each member's experience.

These are some practical tips I gave to the Vox Camerata Associates for acknowledging positionality as community choir conductors:

Get to know the choir members' backgrounds, musical experiences, and learning styles. Adapt your approach accordingly.

Provide cultural context and storytelling alongside the music to foster deeper connections.

Invite choir members to share their perspectives and insights, especially when working with culturally-specific repertoire.

Examine our language, policies, and practices for potential biases or exclusionary elements.

Seek out professional development opportunities to enhance our understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ultimately, acknowledging positionality is about creating a space where every choir member feels seen, heard, and valued. It's an ongoing journey of self-reflection, empathy, and a commitment to inclusive practices. By embracing the richness of our diverse perspectives, we can create truly transformative musical experiences.

References:

Bhabha, H. K. (1994). The location of culture. Routledge.

Hall, S. (1990). Cultural identity and diaspora. In J. Rutherford (Ed.), Identity: Community, culture, difference (pp. 222-237). Lawrence & Wishart.

Milner, H. R. (2007). Race, culture, and researcher positionality: Working through dangers seen, unseen, and unforeseen. Educational Researcher, 36(7), 388-400.

Rowe, W. (2014). Positionality. In D. Coghlan & M. Brydon-Miller (Eds.), The SAGE encyclopedia of action research (pp. 628-628). SAGE Publications Ltd.