Beatboxing in choral music: Perspective case study exploring the use

of vocal percussion in the small vocal ensemble

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

            Research studies to date on beatboxing have focused on the syllables used in the imitation of drums through either resonance imaging or sound analysis.  In this paper, the author presents the results of a qualitative cross-case analysis of six beatboxers, five small vocal ensembles, and six composers that explored beatboxing in choral music settings.  During a seven-day choral festival and academic symposium, data was collected through observations of workshops, seminars, presentations, and performances as well as interviews with individual beatboxers, ensemble members, and composers participating in the event.  Findings show that vocal percussion and beatboxing are emerging as an integral part of choral literature and performance.  There are benefits of learning vocal techniques related to the vocal art form of beatboxing in both educational and choral contexts.  This paper includes also an applied project component in which tips and techniques suited to teaching and performing vocal percussion in an ensemble setting are explored.