Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oklahoma, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Kansas State University, 1976. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 293-302).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Northwestern University, 1995. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 245-255).

Thesis (M.M.)--[University of Michigan, 1937].

Thesis (Ph. D.) -- University of Alberta, 2010. / "A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Secondary Education, University of Alberta." Title from pdf file main screen (viewed on May 14, 2010) Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (D. Mus. Arts)--University of Washington, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 290-296) and work lists.

Thesis (D.M.A.)--University of North Texas, 2006. / System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Accompanied by 4 recitals, recorded Apr. 10, 1997, July 17, 1997, Mar, 3, 1998, and Nov. 14, 2005. Includes bibliographical references (p. 40-41).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 132-141).

This study is a phenomenological study about band. Stories of band are told through three people of different ages and generations who chose to continue playing an instrument after graduating from high school. A review of the literature and a lack of research from the perspective of the individual led this study to two broad research questions. First, is there such a thing as a “band identity?” I wanted to know how band shaped the lives of three individuals who have spent their lives playing, experiencing, and performing band music. I wanted to discover if there was some sort of essence to band and to understand more about how the concept of self is shaped through participation in band. Second, I wanted to be open to the idea that the telling of stories of band might intersect with my own. The final chapter of the study reflects on my journey as a teacher. On the surface, band may look like any other group activity. But the powerful combination of mastering an instrument, learning how one’s instrument fits into a larger ensemble, and navigating the social and family-like drama as one’s life story unfolds makes the band experience unique. The three study participants were interviewed over nine months using a theoretical “mix tape” approach blending phenomenological inquiry with elements of case study, narrative, short written responses, reflections, and the collecting of artifacts. The participants showed that the band experience is inextricably woven into the identity of individuals who continue to devote time and energy to instrumental music. The band identity is wrapped around and melded with concepts of the power of the group dynamic, the magic and memories formed from devoting time to the activity of music making, the power of music on memory, and the relationships that are built through the activity. This thesis shows that band directors should pay much closer attention to and nurture the value of the individual by listening to the individual soundtracks of their students and working to understand the stories and life experiences that the individual brings to the traditional large ensemble band setting.

From introduction: The decision to use the term "Wind Band" in connection with this work was made after much careful deliberation. The English word "Band" is derived from the French "bande" meaning a group of players. It was first applied in this context in England when the Twenty-four Violins at the Court of Charles II (in emulation of "Le Vingt-quatre Violons du Roi at the Court of Louis XIV of France) were known in England as "The King's Band "Band" is a title generally given at the present time to any of instrumentalists, and indeed, many of the World's most famous conductors have been known to refer to any large symphony orchestra as "The Band" and the dressing-room of every Symphony or Concert orchestra in the British Isles is invariably called "The Band-Room"