Chapter 1: Orientation of the Study
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SOCIAL COHESION IN SCHOOL CHOIR COMPETITIONS: THE EXPERIENCES OF CONDUCTORS AND ADJUDICATORS by OREEDITSE PATRICK MASUELELE A thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirement of the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in the Department of Humanities Education Faculty of Education University of Pretoria 2020 Supervisor: Dr Riekie van Aswegen Co-supervisor: Prof. Johan Wassermann © University of Pretoria Declaration I declare that the thesis, which I hereby submit for the degree Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Pretoria, is my own work and has not previously been submitted by me for a degree at this or any other tertiary institution”. ............................................................. Oreeditse Patrick Masuelele 3 November 2020 ii © University of Pretoria Ethics clearance certificate iii © University of Pretoria Ethics statement “The author, whose name appears on the title page of this thesis, has obtained, for the research described in this work, the applicable research ethics approval. The author declares that he/she has observed the ethical standards required in terms of the University of Pretoria’s code of ethics for researchers and the policy guidelines for responsible research”. iv © University of Pretoria Language editor certificate MJ de Jager Translator and text editor Cell: 083 455 3723 Address: 9 Tiger Road Monument Park 0181 PRETORIA E-mail: [email protected] To whom it may concern This is to confirm that I, MJ de Jager, completed the language and technical editing of the thesis, “Social cohesion in school choir competitions: the experiences of conductors and adjudicators”, by Mr Oreeditse Patrick Masuelele. The onus was on the author to attend to all my suggested changes and comments. I do not take responsibility for any suggestions that the author did not accept or for any changes effected in the document after the fact. MJ DE JAGER 7 November 2020 v © University of Pretoria Acknowledgements I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the people listed below, without whose support this study would not have been possible: • My supervisor, Dr Riekie van Aswegen, for believing in me and staying even when conditions became challenging. • Prof. Johan Wasserman, Head of Department, who continuously encouraged and assisted me. We appreciate your positive reinforcement through your words of encouragement. • My wife, Poloko Masuelele, who gave me unconditional support. I thank you for your patience and unselfish belief in me. • My beloved daughter, Rebaone Masuelele, for her support in ensuring that this work got done in time. • My church leadership, Pastors Keberekile and Isaac Tau, who dedicated special prayers for the success of this project. • My heavenly Father, God, who supported me through thick and thin for the duration of my study. “No weapon formed against me shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17) vi © University of Pretoria Abstract In this qualitative study the researcher investigates how school choir competitions in South Africa contribute to creating platforms for social cohesion. The study examines the experiences of conductors and adjudicators in two main South African school choir competitions, namely the ATKV-Applous and ABC Motsepe (previously known as SASCE). This study was inspired by the contribution of the rising choral music platform in post-apartheid South Africa to national regeneration from tensions created by past disparities and how choral music contributes to social cohesion in society. Phenomenology is used to investigate the experiences of conductors and adjudicators and whether participation in choral competitions contributed to advancing social cohesion in a transforming South Africa. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews, the review of documents and the analysis of journal notes taken during the study. The Transformative Learning Theory (TLT) was applied as framework to contextualise deliberate reflection involving increased social knowledge and openness among respondents. In this study, choir conductors and adjudicators reflected on their experiences in choir competitions and how cohesion could be achieved through choir competitions. From the study the researcher concluded that competitive platforms such as choir competitions provide an opportunity for role players to test their strength as individuals and as part of a team. The study found that, regardless of many challenges hindering social cohesion, choral music competitions offer an environment for bringing people closer and establishing harmonious collaboration. Learning from others, sharing and reciprocating experiences lead to new partnerships that promote social cohesion. However, the conditions set out in the rules and policy requirements of the competitions could inhibit social cohesion by exclusion and conditions that may hinder interest. Although many studies focus on the value of choral activities and its contribution to social cohesion, this study fills the gap of exploring the role of choir competitions in fostering social cohesion. Recommendations include the need to foster an awareness of the role of school choir activities, which includes the selection of music, in encouraging nation-building. Furthermore, school choir competition policy should include clearer guidelines on social cohesion. It is recommended that training opportunities for conductors and adjudicators should be expanded and implemented to include musical development, but also focus on fostering a sensitivity to the complexity of cultural diversity and the power of choral activities to enhance nation-building and social cohesion in South Africa. Keywords: choir competition; choir competition adjudication; choir conductor; cultural diversity; social cohesion; South African school choirs vii © University of Pretoria List of abbreviations ATKV Afrikaanse Taal- en Kultuurvereniging DAC Department of Arts and Culture DBE Department of Basic Education DCC District Coordinating Committees DoE Department of Education EU European Union HSRC Human Sciences Research Council HEDCOM Heads of Education Departments Committee NCC National Coordinating Committee NDP National Development Plan PCC Provincial Coordinating Committees SASCE South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod TLT Transformative Learning Theory UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation viii © University of Pretoria Table of contents Declaration ........................................................................................................................... ii Ethics clearance certificate .................................................................................................. iii Ethics statement .................................................................................................................. iv Language editor certificate .................................................................................................. iv Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................. vi Abstract .............................................................................................................................. vii List of abbreviations ........................................................................................................... viii Table of contents ................................................................................................................. ix List of tables, figures and addenda.................................................................................... xiv Chapter 1: Orientation of the study .................................................................................. 1 1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Background ................................................................................................................. 3 1.3 Research on choir competitions .................................................................................. 5 1.4 Problem statement ...................................................................................................... 7 1.5 The purpose of the study ............................................................................................ 7 1.6 Research questions .................................................................................................... 8 1.7 Research design and methodology ............................................................................. 9 1.8 Theoretical framework ............................................................................................... 10 1.9 Relevance of the study .............................................................................................. 11 1.10 Concept clarification ................................................................................................ 14 1.10.1 Social cohesion ............................................................................................................... 14 1.10.2 Social capital ................................................................................................................... 14 1.10.3 Distinguishing between social capital and social cohesion .............................................. 15 1.10.4 Social inclusion ............................................................................................................... 15 1.10.5 Social justice ..................................................................................................................