Abstract
At the collegiate level, directors implement specific strategies to help choristers of mid-level ensembles build a strong sense of identity, thereby promoting a choral experience with intellectual, psychological, emotional, social, and musical benefits. This study examined if such strategies applied only to mid-level ensemble choristers or if they could be generalized to other choral ensembles, specifically those considered top level. We surveyed members of top-level choral ensembles (N = 337) from 8 collegiate institutions in 6 different regions of the United States. Results indicated that although top- and mid-level collegiate choristers share similar values when constructing ensemble identity, these values do not translate into the same kind of dedication and enrollment factors. Top-level choristers tended to identify more, feel more dedication to, and want to remain with their current choirs. In contrast, mid-level choristers often enjoyed their choral experience but were more mobile and in greater pursuit of prestige.
