Our Voices Count evaluates the impact of ensemble choral music-making on young people living in the juvenile justice system in the USA. The results suggest that it is possible to use the creation, rehearsal, and performance of choral music to create a distinctive micro-environment that fosters positive and mutually supportive behaviour even within the high-stress, uncertain environment of secure detention facilities. The report also suggests that activities like ensemble music-making may allow youth to discover and act on their strengths. Correspondingly, it argues that organisations and researchers should investigate under what conditions the arts recognise, build, and sustain young people’s talents and resources.

Wolf D, Holochwost S (2014). Our Voices Count. USA:WolfBrown.