Factors Influencing Non-Music Majors' Decisions to Participate
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FACTORS INFLUENCING NON-MUSIC MAJORS' DECISIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN COLLEGIATE BANDS A DISSERTATION IN Music Education and Curriculum and Instruction Presented to the Faculty of the University of Missouri-Kansas City in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY by JENNIFER ANN MODER BME, The University of Illinois, 2001 MME, Illinois State University, 2010 Kansas City, Missouri 2013 © 2013 JENNIFER ANN MODER ALL RIGHTS RESERVED FACTORS INFLUENCING NON-MUSIC MAJORS' DECISIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN COLLEGIATE BANDS Jennifer Ann Moder, Candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2013 ABSTRACT William Revelli stated that perhaps one of the greatest weaknesses of our school band programs is that, for the majority of the students, active participation ceases upon the day of graduation from our high schools. Music educators should strive to motivate all students, regardless of degree path, toward lifelong music making. After high school, many students do not pursue music as a major yet decide to participate in a collegiate ensemble. It seems relevant to investigate the influences behind these choices. The purpose of this study was to determine what factors contributed to a non-music major’s decision to participate in their collegiate band(s). An email soliciting student participation was sent to college band directors through the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA). The 17-question electronic survey included an open-ended response, a 7-point Likert-type scale investigating factors that influenced their decision to participate in a collegiate ensemble, and demographic information. Participants (N = 2,933) were students enrolled at 95 colleges and universities from 37 states. The majority (56%) were enrolled in more than one type of band. Results from the open-ended iii response revealed that an overall love/enjoyment for music was the primary reason for continued music participation. Likert-type scale analysis showed a compilation of factors ultimately led to student participation. The factors with the highest mean scores, representing the strongest influences, were love/enjoyment for music, the overall high school band experience, self-pride of being a member of the college band, social aspects involved with the college band, and quality and reputation of the college band. Students enrolled in athletic bands (marching and pep bands) displayed higher motivation to continue playing from social influences whereas students enrolled in concert ensembles (concert and jazz bands) appeared to be more influenced by musical aspects. Findings from this study suggest that participants’ intrinsically motivated desire to continue playing is largely due to the enjoyment started in beginning band, and continued throughout high school. Further research may investigate specific aspects related to the high school experience that promote continued music performance as well as techniques directors of all levels can utilize to encourage lifelong music making. iv APPROVAL PAGE The faculty listed below, appointed by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies have examined a dissertation titled “Factors Influencing Non-Music Majors' Decisions to Participate in Collegiate Bands,” presented by Jennifer Ann Moder, candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy degree, and certify that in their opinion it is worthy of acceptance. Supervisory Committee Joseph Parisi, Ph.D., Committee Chair Conservatory of Music and Dance Melita Belgrave, Ph.D. Conservatory of Music and Dance Charles Robinson, Ph.D. Conservatory of Music and Dance Omiunota Ukpokodu, Ph.D. School of Education Lindsey Williams, Ph.D. Conservatory of Music and Dance v CONTENTS ABSTRACT ...................................................................................................................... iii LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................. x ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .............................................................................................. xi Chapter 1. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM ............................................................................... 1 Introduction and Need for the Study ................................................................ 1 Statement of Purpose and Research Questions ................................................ 4 Factors Examined in Current Research ............................................................ 4 Definition of Terminology ............................................................................... 5 2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE ................................................................................ 9 Factors Involved with Initial Music Recruitment and Participation ............................................................................................ 10 Parental Influence ................................................................................... 10 Peer Influence ......................................................................................... 14 Band Director Influence .......................................................................... 15 Self-Interest in Music .............................................................................. 17 Additional Factors Involved in Initial Recruitment ................................ 18 Summary of Factors Leading to Recruitment in Beginning Ensembles ......................................................................................... 19 Factors Influencing Continued Music Participation in Middle and High School ......................................................................... 19 Enjoyment for Music .............................................................................. 20 Parental Influences .................................................................................. 21 vi Music Program and Director Influence ................................................. 23 Social Factors ........................................................................................ 24 Summary of Factors Leading to Retention in Musical Ensembles ......................................................................................... 25 Collegiate Band Participation ......................................................................... 26 Stanley..................................................................................................... 27 Clothier ................................................................................................... 28 McClarty ................................................................................................. 29 Mountford ............................................................................................... 30 Milton ...................................................................................................... 32 Delano and Royse ................................................................................... 34 Royse....................................................................................................... 35 Casey ....................................................................................................... 35 McDavid ................................................................................................. 37 Stewart .................................................................................................... 38 Faber ....................................................................................................... 39 Isbell and Stanley .................................................................................... 41 Trends Leading to Discontinued Ensemble Participation in College .............................................................................................. 43 Trends Leading to Continued Ensemble Participation in College ............................................................................................. 44 Rationale ......................................................................................................... 44 Statement of Purpose and Research Questions .............................................. 46 vii 3. METHODOLOGY .............................................................................................. 46 Research Design ............................................................................................. 46 Pilot Study ...................................................................................................... 46 Study Participants ........................................................................................... 46 Survey Instrument .......................................................................................... 48 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria for Study Participation ............................... 49 Participants ..................................................................................................... 50 4. RESULTS ............................................................................................................ 57 Research Question 1 ....................................................................................... 57 Research Question 2 ....................................................................................... 61 Research Question 3 ....................................................................................... 62 Research Question 4 ......................................................................................