College of Fine Arts and Communication Research/Creative Activity Grant Grant uri icon

abstract

  • The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of solo and small-ensemble participation on band and orchestra large-ensemble adjudication ratings. Criteria includes: (a) state repertoire lists for both solo/small-ensemble and large-ensemble adjudicated events, (b) district solo and small-ensemble adjudicated events prior to large-ensemble events in the same academic calendar year, (c) uniform statewide rating system for adjudicated events, and (d) 10 years of data availability for all adjudication scores. An initial pilot with band data from Florida compared the number of solo and small-ensemble entries for each school with contest/MPA ratings for top large-ensemble in the same academic year. Band programs participating in solo and small-ensemble adjudicated events received an average score of 1.64 for large-ensemble MPA ratings, while band programs that did participate received an average score of 2.14 for large-ensemble MPA ratings. Therefore, continued examination is warranted to ascertain if these results materialize nationally.
    Proposal Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between solo and small-ensemble participation on large band and orchestra ensemble contest or Music Performance Adjudication scores. The results of this study could greatly impact the instrumental music education profession by providing a compelling argument for the development of independent musicianship through solo and chamber music curriculum for our North Carolina educators and preservice music teachers at ECU and all national music teacher-training institutions. Based on the aforementioned criteria in the abstract, we found that only the states of Florida, Indiana, and New York are eligible. Full data examination across band and orchestra programs for the past ten years across these three states as well as implications for the profession are desired for this study.

date/time interval

  • March 2017 - February 2018