Singing in Prisons, Part 4 // Jody Kerchner & Jerome Thompson

In part four of this series, Emilie and André talk with Jody Kerchner and Jerome Thompson about the power of communal singing in prison contexts. Jody Kerchner is Professor of Music Education and Director of PACE (Pedagogy, Advocacy, & Community Music Engagement) at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. She teaches courses in community engagement, music psychology, choral conducting, creativity, and principles of education. She is also the founder and director of The Oberlin Music at Grafton (OMAG) Choir in Grafton, Ohio. 

Born and raised in Cleveland, OH, Jerome Thompson now lives again with his wife, Victoria. They have been together for almost 50 years. Jerome is a founding member of the Oberlin Music at Grafton (OMAG) Choir, and participated in it for almost four years. He appeared in several Shakespearean plays and other dramatic productions as a part of the Oberlin Drama at Grafton (ODAG). Jerome is also a fine woodworker.