‘I don’t care who joins my choir’: Investigating attitudes to diversity and inclusivity in lower- and upper-voice choirs in the United Kingdom

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Social groups of ageing individuals can form homogeneous and inaccessible 'groups of exclusion' determined by compliance with constructed social codes.

“Research in gerontology suggests that social groups of ageing individuals can form homogeneous and inaccessible 'groups of exclusion' (Nielson et al. 2019: 28) determined by compliance with constructed social codes (Pietilä & Ojala 2021).”

• cites Nielson et al. 2019 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Pietilä & Ojala 2021 sourceSupported

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Those who lapse in singing sometimes do so because of an unwelcoming environment or relational friction.

“and those who lapse in singing sometimes do so because of an unwelcoming environment or relational friction (Kreutz & Brünger 2012;cf. Pitts & Robinson 2016).”

• cites Kreutz & Brünger 2012 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Pitts & Robinson 2016 sourcePartly supported

  In “Confidence and acceptance: social and musical fit” (page unavailable), the paper says that members’ friendliness could affect whether musicians remained in an ensemble, and describes a lapsed wind-band player who found its social setting difficult. That supports the comparison signalled by “cf.”, but the account concerns instrumental ensembles, not lapses in singing, and does not identify relational friction as a reason for leaving. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Men in male-focused recreational activities may experience improved wellbeing but may also remain complicit in hegemonic ideologies of masculinity because of their perceived freedom from being 'policed' by women.

“Past research into malefocussed recreational activity has suggested that although men may experience improved wellbeing as a result of engagement in gendered interventions (Milligan et al. 2016), they may also remain complicit in hegemonic ideologies of masculinity because of their perceived freedom from being 'policed' by women (Mackenzie et al. 2017).”

• cites Milligan et al. 2016Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Mackenzie et al. 2017 sourceSupported

May combine two claims.

Exclusionary attitudes towards gender and sexual minorities among LV choirs may stem from entrenched social codes, which may relate to older men's reluctance to disclose their gender or sexual identity because of historic stigmatisation and the perceived benefits of male-focused spaces.

“It is possible that exclusionary attitudes towards gender and sexual minorities may stem from these entrenched codes within LV choirs, that may in turn relate to the reluctance among older men to disclose their gender or sexual identity because of historic stigmatisation (Simpson et al. 2018), and the perceived benefits of male-focussed spaces (Milligan et al. 2016;Mackenzie et al. 2017;Nurmi et a”

• cites Simpson et al. 2018 sourcePartly supported

  Split into 2 atoms — 1 confirmed, 1 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites Milligan et al. 2016Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Mackenzie et al. 2017 sourceSupported

May combine two claims.

In regions such as Cornwall, male-voice choirs acted as gatekeepers for local, White, working-class cultures during a period when ethnic diversity was otherwise increasing, in the same way they may have been complicit in fostering hegemonic masculinity.

“In the same way in which male-voice choirs may have been complicit in fostering hegemonic masculinity (cf.Connell & Messerschmidt 2005;Mackenzie et al. 2017), in regions such as Cornwall they also acted as gatekeepers for local, White, working-class cultures during a period when ethnic diversity was otherwise increasing.”

• cites Connell & Messerschmidt 2005 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Mackenzie et al. 2017 sourcePartly supported

  Split into 2 atoms — 1 confirmed, 1 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

This combination of outreach and training should equip choirs not just to attract new members from different backgrounds, but to foster valuable spaces for expanding notions of diversity and normalising counter-hegemonic discourse.

“This combination of outreach and training should equip choirs not just to attract new members from different backgrounds, but to foster valuable spaces for expanding notions of diversity and normalising counter-hegemonic discourse (Willis & Vickery 2022).”

• cites Willis & Vickery 2022 sourcePartly supported

  The Discussion says that groups such as Men’s Sheds can provide space to discuss ideas counter to hegemonic masculine norms and normalise less traditional masculinities. It does not establish that outreach and training will equip choirs to recruit members from different backgrounds or foster diversity more broadly. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

For several choirs, as the age has risen, it has been harder to attract younger members.

“For several choirs, 'as the age has risen, it has been harder to attract younger members' (LV/D036).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Two participants emphasised that the use of auditions upheld a meritocratic and by implication equitable entry system.

“Two participants emphasised that the use of auditions upheld a meritocraticand by implication, equitable (cf.Littler 2013)entry system: 'we accept anyone who completes the audition as long as we have the space to do so' (UV/C002).”

• cites Littler 2013 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

One other confessed an 'old-fashioned' preference.

“One other confessed an 'old-fashioned' preference (UV/M077).”

May combine two claims.

After data cleaning, 907 responses remained for analysis: 330 participants from 184 XV choirs, 334 from 114 LV choirs, and 243 from 94 UV choirs.

“Following data cleaning, a total of 907 responses remained for analysis: 1. 330 participants from 184 4 different XV choirs: 206 members; 48 directors; 76 committee members. 2. 334 participants from 114 different LV choirs: 205 members; 40 directors; 88 committee members. 3. 243 participants from 94 different UV choirs: 157 members; 38 directors; 49 committee members.”

May combine two claims.

The majority of UV choir members identified as heterosexual (n=132), but others identified as homosexual (n=5) and bisexual (n=4).

“The majority of choir members also identified as heterosexual (n=132), but others identified as homosexual (n=5) and bisexual (n=4).”

May combine two claims.

Among LV choir members, 178 identified as heterosexual, six as homosexual, and four as bisexual.

“With regard to sexuality, 178 identified as heterosexual, six as homosexual, and four as bisexual.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Others had a more explicit community focus, and were open to all with no auditions.

“Others had a more explicit community focus, and were 'open to all with no auditions' (LV/C065).”

May combine two claims.

Inflammatory or dismissive comments regarding gender and sexuality were made by very few participants, with slightly higher incidence among lower-voice (LV) choir members (n=12; 6%) than among upper-voice (UV) choir members (n=5; 3%).

“Although inflammatory or dismissive comments regarding gender and sexuality were made by very few participants, there was slightly higher incidence among LV choir members (n=12; 6%) than among UV choir members (n=5; 3%).”

May combine two claims.

Our analysis of public-facing policies revealed that many were based on templates from organisations such as the Charity Commission or Making Music, and therefore contained standard statements relating to protected characteristics.

“Our analysis of public-facing policies revealed that many were based on templates from organisations such as the Charity Commission or Making Music, and therefore contained standard statements relating to protected characteristics.”

May combine two claims.

Where inclusion policies had been published, committee members said they could be found in their choir's constitution (n=17), on their website (n=9), or elsewhere (n=9).

“Where inclusion policies had been published, committee members said they could be found in their choir's constitution (n=17), on their website (n=9), or elsewhere (n=9).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The survey initially received responses from 587 choir members, 124 choir directors, and 218 choir committee members, including participants from England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

“After distribution online, the survey initially received responses from 587 choir members, 124 choir directors, and 218 choir committee members, including participants from England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.”

May combine two claims.

In UV choirs, age was mentioned by just 16 members (10%), 11 directors (29%), and 11 committee members (23%).

“In contrast, in UV choirs age was mentioned by just 16 members (10%), 11 directors (29%), and 11 committee members (23%).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Approximately 20 participants described how their choirs had maintained a stable membership or grown in number.

“Approximately 20 participants described how their choirs had maintained a stable membership or grown in number: 'we have ten MORE new singers, as people want to get into new activities, including singing' (LV/C028).”

May combine two claims.

LV and UV choirs had high percentages of members aged 75 or over (LV: 32%; UV: 31%), whereas the majority of XV respondents were aged between 50 and 74.

“However, LV and UV choirs also had high percentages of members aged 75 or over (LV: 32%; UV: 31%), whereas the majority of XV respondents were aged between 50 and 74 (Chart 1).”

May combine two claims.

Age was identified as problematic by 63 LV members (31%), 19 LV directors (48%), and 36 LV committee members (40%).

“In line with previous studies exploring the decline of LV choirs (Davies 2012; Skinner 2013; Wiltshire 1993), age was identified as problematic by 63 LV members (31%), 19 LV directors (48%), and 36 LV committee members (40%).”

• cites Davies 2012Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Skinner 2013Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Wiltshire 1993Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Some participants found there was much anxiety among members about returning to rehearsals.

“Others found there was 'much anxiety among members about returning to rehearsals' (UV/C005).”

May combine two claims.

Chronic illnesses were most common among UV members (n=20), followed by mental health conditions (n=13), and physical or mobility impairment (n=7).

“Chronic illnesses were most common among UV members (n=20), followed by mental health conditions (n=13), and physical or mobility impairment (n=7).”

May combine two claims.

UV choir members represented a more diverse range of ethnicities than XV and LV choirs, and were more likely to judge their choirs to be close reflections of their local communities.

“UV choir members represented a more diverse range of ethnicities, and were more likely to judge their choirs to be 'close reflections' of their local communities:”

May combine two claims.

30% of LV choir participants (n=100) and 35% of UV choir participants (n=84) said that the pandemic significantly affected the membership of their choirs.

“Although meeting online or outdoors during lockdowns had been an option for many choirs, 30% of LV choir participants (n=100) and 35% of UV choir participants (n=84) said that the pandemic significantly affected the membership of their choirs.”

The quote only partly states this claim.

In UV choirs, deafness was less prevalent than in LV choirs.

“In line with research indicating that hearing loss is more common among men than among women (NIDCD 2022), in UV choirs deafness was less prevalent.”

• cites NIDCD 2022Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

In LV choirs, 98% of respondents identified as White British (n=201), and two identified as mixed race.

“In LV choirs, 98% of respondents identified as White British (n=201), and two identified as mixed race.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Others believed questions of gender and sexuality to be at best unnecessary, and at worst offensive.

“However, others believed questions of gender and sexuality to be at best, unnecessary, and at worst, offensive:”

May combine two claims.

16% of UV choir member respondents were aged under 34, compared with 3% in XV and 2% in LV choirs.

“Notably, 16% of UV choir member respondents were aged under 34, in comparison to just 3% in XV and 2% in LV choirs.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

For some, such activities strengthened the resolve of members to get back to singing and made them more determined and more aware of its benefits.

“For some, such activities 'strengthened the resolve of members to get back to singing' (LV/C082) and made them 'more determined and more aware of [its] benefits' (UV/D014).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In our current research we encountered some resistance to considering topics such as racial diversity and gender identity.

“These are sensitive issues, and it is understandable that in our current research we encountered some resistance to considering topics such as racial diversity and gender identity.”

May combine two claims.

Most participants were aged between 65 and 74, many of whom experienced health problems such as deafness, chronic illness, and mobility impairment.

“Most participants were aged between 65 and 74, many of whom experienced health problems such as deafness, chronic illness, and mobility impairment.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Most choirs, especially if they have charitable status, have designated committees who meet regularly to evaluate organisational policy and practice.

“In many cases this should be a straightforward process, since most choirs (especially if they have charitable status) have designated committees who meet regularly to evaluate organisational policy and practice.”

May combine two claims.

The pandemic hastened the continuing decline in members' age and health and had a knock-on effect on recruitment, retention, and attendance.

“The pandemic hastened the continuing decline in members' age and health, and had a knock-on effect on recruitment, retention, and attendance: 'there has been a step change rather than a gradual decline in the physical condition of our older members' (LV/M103).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Snowdown Colliery Welfare Male Voice Choir, like many of the LV choirs that took part in the present survey, has participated in conferences and festivals organised by Peterborough Sings!, where space is made for choirs to share good practice both in singing and in community-building.

“Like many of the LV choirs that took part in the present survey, Snowdown Colliery Welfare Male Voice Choir has participated in conferences and festivals organised by Peterborough Sings!, where space is made for choirs to share good practice both in singing and in community-building.”

May combine two claims.

In XV, LV, and UV choirs over 90% of respondents were White British, and most also identified as cisgender and heterosexual.

“In XV, LV, and UV choirs over 90% of respondents were White British, and most also identified as cisgender and heterosexual.”

May combine two claims.

Many participants highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated recruitment and retention problems, with vulnerable members forced to leave and a lack of opportunities to reach younger members from more diverse backgrounds.

“In addition, many participants highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated such problems, with vulnerable members forced to leave and a lack of opportunities to reach younger members from more diverse backgrounds.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

As a result, Peterborough Sings! was awarded further funding by Arts Council England to run development projects with five LV choirs across the country, including focussed relationship-building work with specific under-represented communities, equality, diversity, and inclusion training for leadership groups, and recruitment projects aimed at diversification.

“As a result, Peterborough Sings! was awarded further funding by Arts Council England to run development projects with five LV choirs across the country, including focussed relationship-building work with specific under-represented communities; equality, diversity, and inclusion training for leadership groups; and recruitment projects aimed at diversification.”

May combine two claims.

Several choirs diversified their usual programmes of rehearsals and performances to become more inclusive, offering support to more isolated members, providing education around singing and wellbeing, and attracting new audiences through creative fundraising projects such as choir videos, sponsored walks, charity busking, and online auctions.

“Several choirs diversified their usual programmes of rehearsals and performances to become more inclusive, offering support to more isolated members (LV/M095), providing education around singing and wellbeing (LV/M163), and attracting new audiences through creative fundraising projects such as choir videos (UV/C041), sponsored walks (UV/M036), charity busking (UV/M102), and online auctions (LV/C”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Experiences of inclusion and belonging are often important to choir participants.

“However, experiences of inclusion and belonging are often important to choir participants (Parkinson 2020),”

• cites Parkinson 2020Not checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

The decline in popularity and participation in LV and UV choirs is due in part to low recruitment rates, the ageing of members, and the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In part, this has been due to issues such as low recruitment rates, the ageing of members, and the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Respondents gave informed consent after reading participant information, in line with the University of Sheffield Ethics Review Procedure.

“In line with the University of Sheffield Ethics Review Procedure, respondents began the survey by reading the participant information, and those who wished to participate continued by giving their informed consent.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Data gathering and analysis for the survey was undertaken exclusively by the Sheffield Performer and Audience Research Centre, while Peterborough Sings! distributed the survey and disseminated findings.

“Although Peterborough Sings! was instrumental in distributing the survey and disseminating its findings, the gathering and analysis of data was undertaken exclusively by the Sheffield Performer and Audience Research Centre.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Qualitative data was analysed using multiple cycles of coding and categorisation to identify salient emergent themes relating to the research questions.

“Quantitative data was used to calculate descriptive statistics comparing participants' responses; qualitative data was analysed using multiple cycles of coding and categorisation (Saldaña 2009) to identify salient emergent themes relating to the research questions.”

• cites Saldaña 2009Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

All participants were informed that they could miss out questions or withdraw from the survey.

“All participants were informed that they were able to miss out questions or withdraw from the survey should they wish.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The researchers regularly consulted Peterborough Sings! to learn from their insider perspective in order to ensure sensitivity to the cultures and norms of the research population.

“However, in order to ensure sensitivity to the cultures and norms of the research population, the researchers regularly consulted Peterborough Sings! to learn from their 'insider' perspective.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The pandemic presented a significant challenge to the longer-term survival of LV and UV choirs, particularly those with more vulnerable members.

“The pandemic presented a significant challenge to the longer-term survival of LV and UV choirs, particularly those with more vulnerable members.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Recent research has highlighted a continuing decline in the popularity of and participation in lower-voice (LV) and upper-voice (UV) choirs in the UK.

“Despite the success of television programmes such as Last Choir Standing and The Choir, recent research has highlighted a continuing decline in the popularity of and participation in LV and UV choirs.”

• cites Davies 2012Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Harry 2018Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

In many choirs there remained a significant trend towards homogeneity and monoculturalism, which was identified as impacting recruitment, retention, and attendance.

“Despite some variation in age and health, race and ethnicity, and gender and sexuality, in many choirs there remained a significant trend towards homogeneity and monoculturalism, which was identified as impacting recruitment, retention, and attendance.”

May combine two claims.

Despite choirs such as St Edmundsbury Male Voice Choir and Rainbow Chorus demonstrating the potential for good practice around issues of diversity and inclusivity, these attitudes did not appear to be consistently upheld by individual survey respondents.

“Despite choirs such as St Edmundsbury Male Voice Choir and Rainbow Chorus demonstrating the potential for good practice around issues of diversity and inclusivity, these attitudes did not appear to be consistently upheld by individual survey respondents.”

May combine two claims.

The use of an online survey was appropriate for addressing the research questions in relation to a large, nationwide population of participants in recreational singing, because it enabled collection of quantitative and qualitative data from a geographically dispersed sample.

“The use of an online survey was appropriate for addressing the designated research questions in relation to a large, nationwide population of participants in recreational singing (Eichhorn 2021), since the format enabled the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data from across a geographically dispersed sample (Toepoel 2016).”

• cites Eichhorn 2021Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Toepoel 2016Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The report 'Grow and Prosper' makes suggestions for how the Snowdown Colliery Welfare Male Voice Choir could develop its values and objectives, recruitment of members and audiences, and approaches to communications and concerts to ensure it continues to thrive as it approaches its 100th anniversary.

“The report makes suggestions for how the choir could develop its values and objectives, recruitment of members and audiences, and approaches to communications and concerts to ensure it continues to thrive as it approaches its 100th anniversary.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

The survey demonstrated the need for this work to be supported by constructive partnerships with expert organisations so that choirs can access specialist training in areas such as diversifying recruitment, and can embed inclusive new policies and practices.

“However, it also demonstrated the need for this work to be supported by constructive partnerships with expert organisations so that choirs can access specialist training in areas such as diversifying recruitment, and can embed inclusive new policies and practices.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The survey responses are representative of XV, LV, and UV choirs across the UK.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Recreational organisations are more likely than many places of education and employment to recruit and retain a homogeneous pool of volunteers who may not be fluent in the language and debates surrounding inclusive policy.

“In comparison to many places of education and employmentwhere training in equality, diversity, and inclusivity is now legally required -recreational organisations are more likely 'to recruit and retain a homogenous pool of volunteers'(Legg & Karner 2021: 968) who may not be fluent in the language and debates surrounding inclusive policy.”

• cites Legg & Karner 2021 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Although the report 'Grow and Prosper' does not explicitly incorporate a statement of protected characteristics or equal opportunities, it lists practical changes that are likely to have a trickle-down effect on the choir's diversity and inclusivity.

“Although the report does not explicitly incorporate a statement of protected characteristics or equal opportunities, it instead lists practical changes that are likely to have a trickle-down effect on the choir's diversity and inclusivity.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The recent Arts Council England strategy Let's Create (2021) highlighted 'inclusivity and relevance' as one of its four core investment principles for 2020 to 2030, aiming that England's diversity is fully reflected in the organisations and individuals it supports and in the culture they produce.

“Furthermore, the recent Arts Council England strategy Let's Create (2021) specifically highlighted 'inclusivity and relevance' as one of its four core investment principles for 2020 to 2030, outlining the aim that 'England's diversity is fully reflected in the organisations and individuals that we support and in the culture they produce' (44).”

• cites Arts Council England strategy Let's Create (2021)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The ongoing funded projects run by Peterborough Sings! are testament to the valuable contribution of the nationwide survey of XV, LV, and UV choirs to the wider field of communal music-making.

“The ongoing funded projects run by Peterborough Sings! are testament to the valuable contribution of our nationwide survey of XV, LV, and UV choirs to the wider field of communal music-making.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The survey responses are representative of XV, LV, and UV choirs across the UK.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Advice and expertise for diversity and inclusivity initiatives in communal music-making is increasingly available, in part through charities and networks that offer self-analysis tools for assessing inclusivity, workshops and training on equality and diversity, and model inclusion policies.

“Fortunately, advice and expertise for diversity and inclusivity initiatives in communal music-making is increasingly available, in part through charities and networks that offer selfanalysis tools for assessing inclusivity, 8 workshops and training on equality and diversity, 9 and model inclusion policies.10”

• cites [8]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [9]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [10]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Arts Council England support does not extend to the whole of the UK, but it has awarded funding to Making Music INCLUDE, which offers groups dedicated support and funding to review and improve diversity and inclusivity among their participants.

“Although their support does not extend to the whole of the UK, they have already awarded funding to emerging inclusion programmes such as Making Music INCLUDE, which offers groups dedicated support and funding to review and improve diversity and inclusivity among their participants.11”

• cites [11]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

It is possible that LV and UV choirs will continue to offer many more people the sheer joy of belonging to a choir.

“In then realising this discourse through concrete policy and practice, it is possible that LV and UV choirs will continue to offer many more people 'the sheer joy of belonging to a choir' (LV/M005).”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The survey highlighted the need for a cultural shift among some choirs in order to make them accessible and inclusive to participants from varied backgrounds.

“The survey highlighted the need for a cultural shift among some choirs in order to make them accessible and inclusive to participants from varied backgrounds.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The survey responses are representative of XV, LV, and UV choirs across the UK.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Unless changes in attitude are matched by concurrent changes in policy, choirs risk embedding the potentially dismissive attitudes of those who believed inclusivity could be implied or who perceived hospitality to equate to inclusivity.

“Nevertheless, our survey highlighted that unless these changes in attitude are matched by concurrent changes in policy, choirs risk embedding the potentially dismissive attitudes of those who believed inclusivity could be 'implied' (LV/C008), or who perceived hospitality to equate to inclusivity: 'we are a welcoming organisation and a policy would add nothing to the way we would seek to include”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Changes in policy are necessary and effective in preventing choirs from embedding dismissive attitudes and in fostering inclusivity.