I have played in church orchestras where they allowed choir and even instrumentalists to participate who couldn’t carry a tune. One flute player I met played all pieces of music in the key of C … no sharps or flats. Needless to say, this did ruin the ensemble.
So, how would it be if there was a choir specifically composed of people who can’t carry a tune? Read about it for yourself: https://wapo.st/49KU7zu And read the comments before you make up your mind.
The answer seems to be that there is a place for a choir that can’t carry a tune and for an audience that is also tone deaf. The joy of music doesn’t always depend on symphonic tonal qualities. There is also clearly a need for a choir like this for situations like the Developmental Disabilities Ministry (DDM) here in Georgia where the residents can enjoy the sense of community and not experience criticisms that would exist otherwise.
However, and therefore, as inclusive as this might be for some, is it a model for the masses? Does it help us see diversity differently? Does it soften our hearts and minds to those who can’t communicate the way you and I do? Or does it “ruin it for everyone,” as most of these individuals were told? It stopped them from singing.
If you check any online resources, you will see singing releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, and reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels in the body. It enhances breathing and oxygen flow, promoting relaxation. boosts self-esteem and confidence through self-expression and fosters social connections when done in groups or choirs.
The root of its success and failure therefore rests in expectations. Once we know it is a tuneless choir, we can just enjoy it for what it is. As a musician, I hear wrong notes in any concert performance I attend, and if they are frequent, it ruins the experience for me … because I expected to hear beautiful symphonic harmony.
Today’s DEI perspectives seem to imply we are wrong to prefer symphonic excellence. No, we can enjoy a tuneless choir occasionally to honor their practice and enthusiasm, especially if we have a loved one in that group and see the joy on their faces as they perform. There is also the joy of watching our youngsters first perform … we admire their courage and hard work to perform what they do.
But, when we are expecting excellence, and perhaps even paying to hear it, this is not right. As in all things, the pendulum is swinging back toward expecting excellence and rewarding merit in most of life … and it’s about time.