Keeping Choir in Show Choir: A Qualitative Study on How a Select Group of Public Secondary School Choral Directors from Various Regions of the United States Incorporate Choral Methods in Competitive Show Choir

Abstract

“Swing Choir” was first introduced by Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians via the phonograph, radio, synchronized sound, and television in 1949. Since its inception, the evolution of show choir has brought some controversy among music educators. This study aimed to learn how a select group of public secondary school choir and show choir directors from various regions of the United States incorporate choral methods in their respective competitive show choir programs. I recruited rural, suburban, and urban public secondary school choir and show choir directors from various regions of the United States (i.e., West, Midwest, South, and East). I used a semi-structured interview protocol using Zoom and recorded each interview. Data was transcribed and analyzed for codes using ATLAS.ti 9. The study found that participants utilized the same choral methods for both choir and show choir in a rehearsal and performance setting. Music educators hesitant to start or direct show choir because of their controversial views may be more willing to know that choral methods are still highly regarded with show choir.