Going Green

This chapter describes a collaborative project that studied the applications of Lucy Green’s informal music learning curriculum within the context of high school choral ensembles. For a 12-week period, the conductors of four high school choirs charged students in small groups to copy a Christmas carol of their choice from a recording or to create a new arrangement inspired by the recording without intervention from their conductor. They would perform those carols at a public concert during the December holiday season. The overarching research question addressed the efficacy of informal learning as choral pedagogy to nurture the students’ musicianship in choir. Data consisted of interviews, video recordings, and reflective journals. Results showed a positive impact on group cooperation, peer-directed learning, choral rehearsal strategy, leadership, and personal musical identity. It also served as a catalyst to change perceptions of students and teachers relative to musical skill and ability.