Building English Skills and Community Through Singing

Research has proven that communal singing can promote well-being, and what happens when we add language learning as an integral part of the process? The Bridges ESOL Chorus, a collaboration
between Boston’s Back Bay Chorale and Boston Public Library’s program for adult English learners, brings together singers on a weekly basis from all over the world. Through music, chorus members work on
learning new English vocabulary, pronunciation, practice speaking, and build community.

The Open Door Collective, a project of Literacy Minnesota presents this webinar featuring: 

Riikka Pietiläinen Caffrey, Community Engagement Coordinator, Back Bay Chorale 

Melissa Theroux, Literacy Coordinator, Boston Public Library

Dr. Riikka Pietiläinen Caffrey, originally from Kemi, Finland, is a conductor, vocalist, and educator.
She is currently Associate Professor of the Practice and Director of Choral and Vocal Performance at Boston
College. Her research explores holistic choral experiences, cross-disciplinary collaborations, and expanding the choral canon. She has collaborated with poets, composers, choreographers, and pop artists, and her work has been published in choral journals and music collections. 

Melissa Theroux has been the Literacy Coordinator at the Boston Public Library since 2018, working with the instruction staff, volunteers and community partners to offer English and citizenship classes, conversation groups, legal clinics and career preparation programs to adult English learners in the greater Boston area.