ABSTRACT
This chapter explores ways in which choirs can advance human rights in the community and within their ensembles. As social justice initiatives have already permeated the choral music sphere, the people begin by exploring similarities and differences between social justice and human rights in the choral art context. Thus far, choirs have tended predominantly to adopt language and practices associated with social justice as their vehicle for change. Inspire partners with social justice and human rights organizations and practitioners as an intrinsic element in its mission. Tonality concerts are constructed around an arc of shared personal storytelling. Choirs are well positioned to make valuable contributions to the human rights sphere through their unique ability to cultivate empathy and to galvanize communities through coalition-building. However, choir organizers and participants should not make the mistake of assuming that merely singing about a cause is enough to advance social justice or human rights.
