Music has long been celebrated as a universal language, capable of moving hearts, bridging divides, and bringing people together. But what exactly is ‘The Power of Music’? Is it in the melody, the rhythm, or something deeper?

In this episode of Choralosophy, we’re diving into a fascinating concept with Dr. Ryan Luhrs: that the true power of music might actually lie within the choir itself. Imagine a space where people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives can gather, set aside differences, and create something beautiful together. You might even call this a ‘natural laboratory for reconciliation’—and choirs, as it turns out, might hold the key.

Think about it: in a world that often feels divided and polarized, choirs create the perfect environment for collaboration, empathy, and common ground. It’s not just about singing the right notes—it’s about listening, adapting, and building trust with others. These qualities, so essential to successful music-making, are also the very building blocks of community and reconciliation. “Intergroup Contact Theory” comes from the field of Social Psychology and describes the conditions under which groups that have important differences or even conflict can find reconciliation.

In this discussion, Ryan and parse out why this matters, not just for musicians, but for anyone who believes in the power of human connection. How can choirs serve as a model for unity in a fractured world? And how can directors, singers, and audiences alike harness this power to make a real difference?

Whether you’re a seasoned choir director, a lifelong singer, or someone who simply loves music, this conversation will open your eyes to the deeper role choirs play in our society—and the profound impact they can have beyond the rehearsal room.

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Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope

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Find Ryan’s Article:

Intergroup Contact and ChoirDownload

Ryan Luhrs is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, NC. In that role, he directs the Lenoir-Rhyne A Cappella Choir, the university’s flagship touring choral ensemble, coordinates the Sacred Music Program, teaches courses in choral music education, and co-leads the Lenoir-Rhyne Summer Youth Music Camp. He also frequently teaches a course on fine arts and social change in the general curriculum.

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Luhrs is also the Artistic Director/Conductor of the Hickory Choral Society, a 100-voice volunteer chorus, and serves as Music Director/Organist at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Hickory.

Prior to Hickory, Luhrs taught at Andrew College in Cuthbert, GA, where he oversaw the music program. He holds a Ph.D. in Choral Conducting & Music Education from Florida State University, a Masters of Sacred Music degree from Luther Seminary (with St. Olaf College), and a B.A. in Music from Luther College. Prior to graduate study, Luhrs taught music in public schools for five years in Iowa and Minnesota. He has served as a church choir director and organist for congregations in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Georgia, and North Carolina. He was also Stage Band Director and Tour Director with the Kids from Wisconsin from 2005 to 2010 and sang with the Minneapolis-based National Lutheran Choir from 2008 to 2012.

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A proponent of using singing in groups to break down social barriers, Luhrs has co-organized choral festivals in rural Minnesota, southwestern Georgia, Tallahassee, FL, Hickory, NC, and Hammond, LA. His doctoral dissertation entitled Singing for Social Harmony: Choir Member Perceptions During Intergroup Contact investigated how choral music functions in settings where people of diverse backgrounds are present. Related research was published in the February 2017 issue of The Choral Journal and presented at the 2016 Chorus America national conference, the 2016, 2018, and 2020 Southeastern American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Conferences, 2024 North Carolina ACDA conference, and the 2015 Tallahassee Sacred Music Conference. In 2018, he co-produced with Dr. Frances Fonza the AVoice4Peace Concert in Louisville, KY

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