In her TEDxUQ talk titled “How do we use a choir to build a community?” Vicki Bos discusses the power of music and singing in bringing people together. As the founder of the School of Hard Knocks, a choir program for disadvantaged and marginalized individuals, Bos shares her experiences in using music as a tool for social inclusion and community building.
Bos highlights the transformative impact of singing in a choir, citing research that shows how group singing can reduce stress, increase feelings of wellbeing, and foster a sense of belonging. She also emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for choir members to express themselves and connect with others.
Through personal anecdotes and inspiring stories, Bos demonstrates how the simple act of singing together can break down barriers, build relationships, and create a sense of unity among diverse individuals. By harnessing the power of music, Bos shows how a choir can be a powerful force for social change and community cohesion.
Watch the video by TEDxTalks
Author Video Description
How can we create a sense of belonging and connection on university campuses, especially for international students who may feel isolated? Drawing on research conducted with UQ Voices, Vicki demonstrates the positive impact of choral singing on students’ sense of belonging, well-being, and overall university experience. Vicki Bos has over 25 years’ experience as a teacher and teacher trainer in the TESOL sector, in Australia and abroad. She has trained international educators in all fields of education, from early childhood to tertiary level. She is passionate about teaching language through music and song, conducting action research, innovating in learning design, developing language assessment, and building creative communities. Vicki founded and conducted international student choir, The ICTE-UQ Chorus at UQ, and co-ordinated the Raise Your Voice Choir Festival for international students in Brisbane. For her work with the ICTE-UQ Chorus, Vicki received a UQ Awards Commendation for Excellence in Community Diversity and Inclusion (2020). She currently works as a Teacher Professional Development Specialist with The Queensland Institute, directs the School of Psychology mental health research choir UQ Voices, and provides education consultant services with a creative focus through her website and YouTube channel Teaching in Harmony. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere — celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage. TEDx events are produced independently of TED conferences, each event curates speakers on their own, but based on TED’s format and rules.
Video “How do we use a choir to build a community? | Vicki Bos | TEDxUQ” was uploaded on 12/03/2024 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks