Thesis (M.M.)--Boston University / PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you. / Statement of the problem. The purpose of this study was (1) to determine the present practices of selected junior high school band programs in Massachusetts' cities between 5,000 and 25,000 population; (2) to identify corresponding practices advocated in the literature of music education; and (3) to evaluate findings by comparing with the recommendations of the music education profession. Sources of data. The sources of data used in this investigation include: (1) publications in music education, (2) unpublished theses and dissertations in music education, and (3) a questionnaire. Conclusions. The following conclusions were formulated from the findings of the inquiry: 1. Tests and consultations with homeroom teachers were helpful, but not necessary as a prerequisite in the selection of band members. 2. Demonstrations were a desirable means of stimulating student interest in music. 3. The three-month trial plan appeared to be the most popular rental plan offered to beginning pupils. 4. Parents were notified of the student's progress by special reports from the music department. Telephone conversations were a popular means of communication with parents. 5. The seventh grade level appeared to be best for the beginning of study on an instrument. 6. Students were usually allowed to select the instrument of their choice, although band directors made suggestions for balanced instrumentation. 7. Instruction books were not provided by the school. 8. Expensive and unusual instruments were provided by the school to selected youngsters, such as: oboes, alto and bass clarinets, tenor and baritone saxophones, bassoons, French horns, baritones, basses, and percussion equipment. 9. Uniforms were rarely found in the junior high schools. 10. Liost communi ties had a seven period day, with the average length of the period from forty-five to forty-eight minutes. 11. Most junior high school bands marched in parades and performed concerts in their own schools. Few school bands traveled to other communities. 12. The rotating schedule was seldom employed. 13. Private lessons after school hours was used often and highly recommended by the music supervisors. 14. Class lessons were seldom offered during the school day. 15. Dance bands most often rehearsed after school hours. / 2031-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine factors that band directors may be able to use in enhancing enrollment in band programs. The categories of predictor variables were school leadership, level of support, student characteristics, band leadership, and band leader characteristics. There was one criterion variable, band enrollment. Stepwise multiple regression was used to determine which predictor variables explained a portion of the criterion variable, band enrollment. A sample of 400 active band directors was drawn from the membership of the American School Band Directors Association. A table of random numbers was used to select the sample. Data were collected from responses to a questionnaire that was mailed to all persons in the sample. Usable responses were received from 250 males and 65 females. Results of a stepwise multiple regression indicated that five variables accounted for 86.7% of the variance in band enrollment. These five variables in the order of the amount of variance accounted for are (1) the total number of students in the band director's school, (2) the relationship between the band director and constituents (principal component one), (3) revenue per band student, (4) proportion of students on free or reduced-price lunch in the band director's school, and (5) race of the band director. One of the main implications of this study appears to be broadly associated with the kinds of relationships a band director develops with the members of the band community. Even though the band director cannot do anything about the size of the student body, the challenge is for band directors to use strategies that enhance their relationships with the band community. / Ed. D.

The purpose of this study was to determine changes necessary to cause Texas public school band programs to conform to a recommended standard.

The purpose of this thesis is to acquaint future band and orchestra directors with a successful, thoroughly "tried and tested" plan of building an instrumental program within the music department. This thesis presents the technique of instrumentating the senior high school band by planning an instrumental program from the first grade to the time the band student reaches the senior high school level.

The purpose of the study was to investigate conflicts in the perceptions of band directors, band parents, band students, and selected school personnel regarding the role and scope of their respective band programs. The problems were to examine the relationships among these four groups in terms of selective perception, perceptual constancy, and polarization. Questionnaires were developed in order to survey the senior public high schools in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In addition to demographic data, the questionnaires included perceptions about public performances, marching, concert, and jazz bands; contests and festivals; and other band related activities which might be desirable in a band program. The questionnaires concluded with opportunities for open-ended comments and suggestions about the survey instrument and the band program. Statistical computations included one-way analysis of variance, chi-square test, frequency counts, and cross-tabulations. Qualitative analyses and reports of interviews helped to clarify and interpret all statistical findings.