The Safe Space:
Vulnerability in the Choral Ensemble

As artists, we balance the act of sharing our art in the world with the possibility that the world may not like what we have to offer. It takes courage to share a part of ourselves and to make ourselves vulnerable to feedback. Yet, through this vulnerability we access traits that make us stronger artists - if not better humans - such as authenticity, creativity, and empathy. 

As a choral music educator and conductor,  I strive to instill a love of singing in my students. I teach them how to read music, how to analyze the form of a composition, and the importance of historical context. I give them texts that remain in their minds and hearts and melodies that linger in their ears. One of the most important things that I do, though, is to provide them with a space where they can be themselves and grow as artists. A place where they can feel comfortable sharing their instruments, learn and make mistakes, express thoughts and feelings, and wrestle with complex texts or subjects.

This project explores the role of vulnerability in the choral ensemble.  It includes examples from my teaching experience, interviews with others pursuing similar work, self reflection as I tap into my own vulnerability, and resources for anyone interested in learning more about vulnerability and its role in the arts. 

“Like a person awaiting a response upon saying ‘I love you,’ vulnerable music makers risk that others will not feel moved by or appreciate their efforts. Yet, when students find their vulnerability met with recognition and acceptance from peers or adults, they may feel a sense of connection with those individuals and increased engagement in their work.”

―Lauren Kapalka Richerme, “Vulnerable Experiences in Music Education: Possibilities and Problems for Growth and Connectivity.” Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education.

Jennifer Kane

Jennifer Kane

Jennifer Kane is in her ninth season as a conductor with the Handel and Haydn Society Youth Choruses, where she conducts the Concert Choir, Treble Chorus, and Youth Chorale. Kane has conducted HHYC choristers in prestigious venues such as Jordan Hall and Boston Symphony Hall and was selected to perform for the Eastern Region Conference of the American Choral Directors Association in Rochester, NY, in 2020. Equally passionate about choral repertoire for adult treble voices, Kane is the Founder and Artistic Director of NOVA Women's Choral Project, an organization that uses innovative choral experiences to raise awareness of issues that impact women and the community.

Kane's previous engagements include serving as Music Director of Cantilena Women's Chorale, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Worcester Children's Chorus, Conductor of the Spivey Hall Young Artists, and Artistic Director of Atlanta Schola Cantorum. She has prepared choirs for collaborations with groups such as the Cantata Singers, the Back Bay Chorale, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Worcester Chorus. She received a B.A. in Music from Furman University, an M.M. in Choral Conducting from Georgia State University, and a D.M.A. in Conducting from Boston University.