Inclusion, auditions and American community choirs: A historical inquiry

Abstract

This article brings a historical perspective to the study of inclusion and exclusion in American community music ensembles. Focusing specifically on community choirs and using Miami, Florida, as a case study, it traces the history of audition practices in the city’s community choirs, beginning at Miami’s founding in 1896 and ending at the present day. It shows that auditions have been a common, although not universal, practice among Miami’s community choirs and it identifies a trend in recent decades away from holding auditions. By offering a detailed historical account of community choirs’ various exclusive and inclusive practices, it prompts present-day community music scholars, facilitators and participants to reflect on the complex and multi-faceted nature of inclusion in community music.