Abstract This case study explored the perceptions of choristers singing in a multicultural university choir in South Africa and the personal value they associate with their choir participation. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews, focus groups, and a four-month period of observations of choir rehearsals and performances. This research highlights the multidimensional experiences of choral singing which can be fulfilling, abundant, as well as demanding at times. Emergent themes include music as a key indicator leading to personal-, resilience-, and social values. Findings indicate the significance of collective music making and the ways in which it influences the lives of participants, such as enjoyment, health benefits, achievement, commitment, accountability, a sense of belonging, and camaraderie. Choristers experience the choir environment as safe and conducive to forming important relationships. Although cultural integration takes place to a large extent, there are still barriers due to a variety of languages within a diverse group of choristers. Participants’ reflections reveal that choir participation is an ideal vehicle whereby social cohesion can be enhanced. Finally, the study highlights the importance of choral conductors and educators employing strategies that allow choirs within a multicultural environment to successfully transform in order to remain relevant to the needs of the singers within a diverse setting.

中文翻译：

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放下一切，唱音乐：律师对参与多元文化的南非大学合唱团的价值的看法

摘要本案例研究探讨了南非多元文化大学合唱团中合唱团成员演唱的感受以及他们与合唱团参与相关的个人价值。通过半结构化的个人访谈，焦点小组以及对合唱团排练和表演进行为期四个月的观察来收集数据。这项研究突出了合唱演唱的多维体验，这些体验可以充实，丰富，有时也很苛刻。新兴的主题包括音乐，这是导致个人，韧性和社会价值的关键指标。调查结果表明了集体音乐创作的重要性以及它影响参与者生活的方式，例如享受，健康益处，成就，承诺，责任心，归属感和友情。合唱团成员认为合唱团的环境安全且有利于建立重要的关系。尽管文化融合在很大程度上发生了，但是由于各种各样的合唱团内部语言多种多样，仍然存在障碍。参与者的思考表明，合唱团的参与是增强社会凝聚力的理想工具。最后，该研究强调了合唱指挥家和教育者采用使多元文化环境中的合唱团成功转型以保持与多元化环境中歌手需求相关的策略的重要性。由于各种各样的合唱团成员使用多种语言，仍然存在障碍。参与者的思考表明，合唱团的参与是增强社会凝聚力的理想工具。最后，该研究强调了合唱指挥家和教育者采用使多元文化环境中的合唱团成功转型以保持与多元化环境中歌手需求相关的策略的重要性。由于各种各样的合唱团成员使用多种语言，仍然存在障碍。参与者的反思表明，合唱团的参与是增强社会凝聚力的理想工具。最后，该研究强调了合唱指挥家和教育者采用使多元文化环境中的合唱团成功转型以保持与多元化环境中歌手需求相关的策略的重要性。