Singers don’t just join choruses; they belong to choruses. In that unique, ritualized setting, people of divergent backgrounds gather in order to make music, and by making music together, they form a...

Back in the early 1980s, Stacy Horn was about as miserable as a 20-something could be. Her marriage had ended, her job was sapping her spirit, and her attempts to find love again had resulted in only...

Transcribed in 1804 by a British diplomat, this traditional piece was the first Chinese folk song introduced overseas in a published format. In 1926, Puccini featured the melody as one of the main...

After a long and fruitful work career as a tire company executive, winery owner, and California county supervisor and assemblyman, Brooks Firestone reached retirement age with a bit of trepidation. He...

What constitutes well-being for a child? Social scientists include such factors as being in a family with enough resources. Having good health and access to health care. Living in a safe neighborhood...

In 1990, Kate Munger signed on for a day-long volunteer shift at the home of her friend Larry who was dying of HIV/AIDS. Her assignment was to complete household chores in the morning, and to sit with...