AIRS 3rd Annual Conference: 2011
Title: Kenya Case Study: National Boys Choir, School Singing, Laipikia
Author: Jim Sparks (Simon Fraser University)
Presentation format: Other
Sub-themes: 3.1
Introduction
This particular study focus is on singing expression in Kenya and is part of several case studies (Cuba,
Ukraine, Denmark)I am conducting in skilled authentic singing. The following questions are explored on
the part of choral leader and singer: What are the discernable qualities of expressive singing on the part of
the listener and the singer? What value is placed on these qualities in the context of the conductor and
singers’ cultural tradition? What are the skills employed in accessing expressive, authentic singing? What is
the role of repertoire in the relationship between skill and expression? In what ways is there demonstrated
‘knowledge or ‘way of knowing evident in the singing? (Elliot 2005)
Method
The study uses a qualitative, emergent design to build on and extend our understanding of existing theory
and practice focused on the interdependent relations between skill an expression in choral singing across
different cultural traditions. The aim of the data collection is to build a rich, descriptive account of the
complexity of culturally diverse forms of musical expression within the context of specific choral
performances.a) Participants: National Boys Choir of Kenya: a) 24 singers drawn from 42 tribes in Kenya:
ages 17-23. b) Children from Schools surrounding the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Nanyuki, Kenya. b)
Procedure: In depth data collection including: field notes of observation and interviews,video footage of
singing performances/rehearsals and interviews of conductors and singers through translation, audio
recordings of singing performances and rehearsals, documentation contextualizing the collected data. I also
taught Canadian repertoire including the National Anthem to several choirs. Data analysis will involve an
inductive, narrative approach and a classification system similar to the one proposed by Lofland and
Lofland (1984) for classifying 'social phenomena' as acts, activities, meanings, participation, relationships,
and settings. Obtaining different perspectives from observations, field notes, interviews, documents, visual
and aural digital recordings, will provide a rich data set that can be cross-referenced to establish validity
and deepen insights obtained from different sources. Strauss and Corbin (1990)
Results
As the exchange took place in March/ April of 2011, the results are very preliminary and emerging. I would
benefit greatly by the feedback/discussion from AIRS collaborators to my initial analysis. The following
observations will form direction for this study: 1. The singing observed in Kenya has deep rooted
connection to the singers past tribal traditions. Songs and dances are intertwined with life events, which
instill an unquestionable pride and value of singing 2. Leadership and relational skills have been a
dominant force in the singing process in Kenya.

Discussion
*Relevance to AIRS Milestone Document: 3.1 Intercultural understanding. This study will contribute to the
existing qualitative study (2) and (3) in leading to a deeper understanding of the processes involved that
lead to the dynamic singing of Kenya and Africa as a whole.
Bio

 Jim Sparks, a PhD student at Simon Fraser University, is director of vocal music at the Langley Fine Arts
School in Fort Langley, BC. With a Bachelor of Music degree from U.B.C. and Masters of Music Degree
in Choral Conducting from the University of Arizona, Jim has spent 28 years teaching young singers in BC
as a choral director, vocal coach and faculty instructor at the UBC. As a singer, he has studied with David
Leighton and Faye Robinson from the Metropolitan Opera in New York and has sung professionally in the
southern United States and Western Canada. Jim is on faculty of the BC choral Federation’s Choral
Directorship Program. In 2005, Jim helped establish Project Kenya Sister Schools, a cultural exchange
program that puts Kenyan children in schools. Jim is the recipient of the Profession Music Educator Award
from the BC Music Educators Association and the 2009 recipient of the Willan Award from the BC Choral
Federation. In 2011 he has received a Canada Council Grant for collaborative singing research with
Veriovka Choir from Kyiv, Ukraine with the renowned conductor, Anatoli Avdievski. Jim also conducted
collaborative cross-cultural singing research on the invitation of the Coralina Choir in Havana, Cuba, with
Alina Orraca; the National Boys Choir of Kenya with Joseph Muyale Inzai in Nairobi; the Childrens
Community Choirs in Laipikia, Kenya and the Aarhus Conservatory Choir from Aarhus, Denmark.