Beatboxing in choral music: Perspective case study exploring the use

of vocal percussion in the small vocal ensemble

 

 

METHODS

            

         This study used a qualitative multiple-case study design (Creswell, 2012; Cohen et al., 2011) to document the perspectives of beatboxers, members of small vocal ensembles, and guest artists during Festival 500: Sharing the Voices IX in St. John’s, Newfoundland.   A case study methodology is used to develop knowledge about a program, event or activity.  Each individual or group is a unique instance from which generalizations can be made (Creswell, 2012; Cohen et al., 2011).   These generalizations are useful for creating an understanding of trends or themes related to the phenomenon.  Within the context of this study, the findings and discussion focus on the exploration of beatboxing in choral music from the perspectives provided by beatboxers, small vocal ensembles, and composers involved in the study.

 

Participants

            Six beatboxers, six composers, and five small vocal ensembles who were in St. John’s during Festival 500: Sharing the Voices IX were invited to participate in a case study on the phenomenon of using beatboxing in choral music.  Participants in the study were from North America (n=16), and Europe (n=11) and ranged in ages from 16 to 58.  For ethical considerations (see Appendix A), all participants were informed that the confidentiality of their identity would be anonymous.

 

Data Collection

         Data collection involved observations and interviews.  The author took on the role of a nonparticipant observer in small vocal ensemble workshops, presentations, and concert performances.  The author also took on the role of a participant observer in a beatbox workshop, and group workshops.  The author conducted seventeen interviews.  Each interview followed the same structured protocol (see Appendix B – Interview Questions), with open-ended questions.  Responses were recorded on a Tascam DR-05 and lasted between 14-20 minutes.

 

Data Analysis

           Data analysis was a two-step process, initially focusing on each individual/ensemble, and then conducting a comparative analysis across all seventeen cases.  Data from each individual or group were analyzed independently, generating a case study for each individual or ensembles perspectives, with data coded by theme.  In the second step of the process, cases were examined together to note similar trends or findings as well as differences in their perspectives on beatboxing in choral music.