Page 68 - CJOct24

Collaboration Spotlights

laxed, and fun way for English language learners to feel
Back Bay Chorale equally empowered when making music together. In all
Submitted by: Susanne Powers, Executive Director other aspects of daily life, having a significant language
Location: Boston, Massachusetts barrier limits one’s opportunity for full individual ex-
www.bbcboston.org pression. But music is the great equalizer where people
united in song become one cohesive micro-community,
Program or Project Title: and where everyone belongs equally.
Bridges ESOL Chorus
What is the most successful aspect of the project?

Many non-English-speaking immigrants are at risk
of experiencing loneliness and isolation. A recent
UCLA study shows the rate of serious psychological
distress more than doubled between 2019-2021 for im-
migrants who have been in the U. S. fewer than five
years. The Back Bay Chorale offers an innovative way
to combat the stresses related to navigating daily life
and an increasing anti-immigration rhetoric in the U.
S. We offer a community where new English skills are
being practiced in a fun and safe setting, while forg-
ing meaningful friendships. Through IPA and carefully
chosen repertoire, the newly acquired vocabulary is be-
ing reinforced, requiring the singer to pronounce the
Through the universal language of music, the ESOL text rhythmically and unified through repertoire. Dur-
Chorus provides a powerful platform for English- ing class, our students are given the opportunity and
language learners from various backgrounds to come time to share elements of their cultural backgrounds
together, make music, and find joy and community and other personally meaningful experiences. This is
amidst the challenges they face. The ESOL Chorus a profound outlet for stress and supports the feeling of
serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity for individu- being welcomed and belonging in their newly chosen
als navigating the complexities of adapting to a new home country. Every fall and spring we also sing at the
language and culture. Through our partnership with Naturalization Ceremony at Faneuil Hall!
the Boston Public Library we have been able to create
an environment that fosters language acquisition and What is the collaborative element of your project?
cultural exchange. From September through May, our
weekly classes create an inviting community of Back Our ESOL classes don’t follow the conventional
Bay Chorale volunteers and Boston-area English learn- teacher-student class model. Our ESOL chorus classes
ers to make music together and sing in public perfor- include native English-speaking Back Bay Chorale vol-
mances in Boston. unteers and BPL library staff, all learning the music
The program teaches music literacy, English vo- together and participating in the discussion groups.
cabulary, and vocal technique, as well as conversational Our current choir director, Riikka Pietiläinen-Caffrey,
skills. Many of our ESOL students are immigrants is also an immigrant and non-native English speaker.
who seek the opportunity to make connections in the Including experienced BBC singers reduces the stu-
community. Our community engagement coordinator dents’ fear of feeling exposed when trying out new
and Bridges choral director, Riikka Pietiläinen-Caffrey, words. Aside from helping our students learn English,
and our Back Bay Chorale volunteers create a safe, re- our ESOL Chorus program is so much more: singing

66 CHORAL JOURNAL October 2024 Volume 65 Number 3