Singing the Rite to Belong
Ritual, Music, and the New Irish
Author Helen Phelan
Reviews and Awards
"the breath of this work ensures its significance to ritual studies, ethnography, philosophy, religion, vocal pedagogy and cultural studies. I commend this work for its originality in focus and opening a dialogue for the need for greater inclusion in modern Ireland." -- Susan Motherway, Ethnomusicology Ireland
"Phelan integrates a depth and breadth of knowledge in ritual studies, ethnography, philosophy, religion, music education, acoustics, and the singing voice to create a compelling argument about the profound effect that performed singing rituals have in the development of communities of belonging Phelan's writing is of value to scholars of religion, ritual, music, and ethnic studies as well as anyone interested in the exploration of multicultural community building."--Matthew Schloneger, Reading Religion
"This is an important and timely contribution to our understanding of the place of singing in people's lives. Although focused on the context of ritual, it speaks to the human power of singing for all individuals and groups, including singing's facility as a social glue to create a sense of collective identity and belonging. Helen Phelan is an outstanding scholar and we are in her debt for this wonderful text."--Graham Welch, Professor of Music Education, University College, London
"Phelan constructs a dazzling portal into the world of ritual singing, and the web of meaning making that it generates. Rooted in experiences with musical migrants in 21st century Ireland, this mix of ethnography and critical reflection particularly focuses on how ritual singing facilitates a sense of belonging. The breadth of dialogue partners—from Ephrem the Syrian to Derrida, somatics to Wittgenstein—renders this a fascinating and informative read. Bravo!"--Edward Foley, Duns Scotus Professor of Spirituality and Professor of Liturgy and Music, Catholic Theological Union
"In Singing the Rite to Belong, Helen Phelan uses her deeply experiential understanding and impeccable scholarship to argue for the unique role of song to invite and celebrate community. Song in ritual, she proposes, offers the promise of incorporation without demanding annihilation of unique gifts, yearnings, and culture. Her compelling descriptions of rituals, chant, and choirs and the people who breathe them into being and her innovative applications of theoretical insights from phenomenology, ritual, and resonance will be appreciated equally by scholars and by those who welcome strangers into new lands."--Anya Peterson Royce, Chancellor's Professor of Anthropology and Comparative Literature, Indiana University-Bloomington
"While the relationship between singing and belonging seems intuitive to any of us who make music in community settings, Helen Phelan convincingly demonstrates that much more is taking place than we might expect. Phelan brings together knowledge of ritual studies, experience in ethnographic research, and a passion for singing in a rich work of insight. She is able to do what few performers can -- reflect objectively on the act of singing and the inherent bridge between singing, breathing, and belonging."--Professor Michael Hawn, University Distinguished Professor of Church Music, Southern Methodist University
