The sound of voices of various pitches ring through the air. Harmonies and melodies blend together. The soft but resolute playing of a piano is heard underneath it all. Chorus, a pathway here at Durham School of the Arts, has undergone a major change.
DSA Chorus recently made the decision to change the names of Women’s and Men’s Ensemble to Cantabile and Bass Ensemble. The names of the other classes will remain the same because they are already inclusive. The decision stemmed from students who identify as genderqueer and non-binary, and did not identify with the previous labels. These students felt that a change needed to be made. The goal is that with the renaming, students will feel more comfortable enrolling, and staying in these courses.
“The decision to rename the classes was lead by the choir teachers and the administration. The changes were made to more accurately define who could take each class. We removed the artificial barrier of gender and made the class requirements based exclusively on voice type,” Jeremy Nabors, chorus teacher, stated.
Being one of the largest pathways here at DSA, Chorus has many students who have opinions about this renaming. Although this decision speaks to the inclusivity of DSA, its change has been met with acceptance and dismissal, primarily associated with the sound of the new names themselves.
“The renaming of the chorus classes is not something I was expecting but it is in accord with what the school stands for. Although the names are inclusive, I think they sound weird and off putting. I think that they could have chosen names that sound better, and I think that a lot of students would agree with that. I hope people can get used to them, but I think it's going to take some time,” Ella Kromm, junior, explained.
Before Chorus made the decision to change the name of their courses, they made sure that their students were aware of it. Although their approval wasn’t the end all or be all, they made sure that they understood the decision and that was explained the best way possible. They also reached out to parents about this change.
“The teachers had several discussions with other Durham County chorus teachers as well as teachers from other states to find ensemble names that reflected the single voice parts that make up each choir. The students were surprised by the change, but once they learned why it was happening and what the names meant, they seemed very supportive,” Nabors said.
With the number of people who identify as non-binary, and genderqueer expanding its important that there be measures taken to make sure that everyone feels included. Hopefully other schools in the district and the community of Durham in general, can take inspiration from DSA.
“I hope that other school districts can look, and evaluate the names of their courses, and this can hopefully spur a spark around other schools in our district, and other school districts,” Kromm concluded.