<p> Society attaches gender stereotypes to musical instruments, which may influence students&rsquo; selection of an instrument for study. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of model gender on instrument preference of beginning band students during the selection process. I used two research questions to guide the study: 1. Do student instrument preferences prior to an instrument demonstration reflect typical trends in gender stereotypes of instrumental performers? 2. Does the gender of the person modeling the instruments during a demonstration and selection process affect the instrument choice preference of the student? </p><p> Participants (N = 171) from six schools with five instructors from the Northeast were grouped into four treatment groups. First, I designed a questionnaire containing a pretest and posttest. In the pretest, the participant responded with demographic information consisting of grade, sex, and whether or not a parent played an instrument, and if so, which one. Next, participants rated their preference for six band instruments on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 representing no desire to play the instrument and 5 representing a strong desire to play the instrument. After observing the instrument demonstration, the participants rated their preferences for the instruments in the identical format as the pretest. Participants next answered an open-ended question that asked why they most preferred the instrument they did. </p><p> I conducted a pilot study with 23 participants and determined that the research instrument was suitable. Next, I administered the research instrument to four treatment groups. Treatment 1 (n = 76) observed all instruments demonstrated by a female modeler. Treatment 2 (n = 30) observed all instruments demonstrated by a male modeler. Treatment 3 (n = 23) observed all instruments demonstrated by typically associated gender stereotype modelers. Treatment 4 (n = 42) observed all instruments demonstrated by atypically associated gender stereotype modelers. </p><p> I determined the internal reliability of the research instrument with Cronbach&rsquo;s Alpha (? = .68). After determining a mean gain score by subtracting the pretest preference score from the posttest preference score, I performed a series of ANOVA tests. Students preferred instruments along typical gender stereotype lines initially with females preferring flute and males preferring trumpet most. I determined that there was no effect of model gender on instrument preference of beginning band students. While some changes in preference existed from pretest to posttest, especially for trumpet, none of the changes were significant. I determined in the posttest that while males continued to prefer trumpet most, females most preferred trumpet and clarinet equally with flute their next choice. Instruments played by parents followed typical gender stereotype assignments with most mothers playing flute followed by clarinet and most fathers playing percussion followed by trumpet. The majority of participants who responded to the open-ended question (66%) stated that tone was the reason for their instrument preference. By addressing the gender stereotyping of instruments, music educators may lead students to have more successful and satisfying experiences as instrumental performers. </p>

<p> Each chapter of this thesis explores a technique commonly found in post-tonal piano repertoire for students Levels 1-3 (Magrath). Post-tonal techniques evaluated for difficulty are Nonwestern scales, polychords and clusters, polytonality, atonality, serialism, aleatoric music, and experiments in sound. There are some inherent difficulties for beginner pianists in each of these topics that are discussed in detail. The appropriateness of these styles for students is evaluated and elements that are conceptually advanced are altered so that earlier exposure to these techniques is possible. Where there are areas of pedagogical weakness or a lack of material for young pianists, compositions have been supplied in a methodical order, introducing and expanding upon new and creative methods of approaching these techniques.</p>

<p> This study examines the music programs in liberal arts colleges through the historical lens of three Catholic Universities in the state of Florida. Although there are numerous historical dissertations and theses written about individual music schools and departments, and a few that compare music programs in similar types of institutions, none have compared music programs in Catholic universities within the same state. After teaching at Saint Leo University and experiencing the process of rebuilding a music program after it was almost completely lost in the mid-1990s, I wanted to study the histories of Saint Leo and other Florida Catholic institutions that have struggled through similar circumstances, but with very different outcomes.</p><p> I examined each music program through interviews with past and current faculty, administrators, and students; archival documents; published histories; school newspapers and yearbooks; and local newspapers and magazines. I visited each campus, photographed the physical facilities, and observed faculty and students. Gradually the stories of three music programs emerged. By comparing the data from each institution I was able to address the following research questions: 1. When and how did each music program begin? 2. How did each one develop (i.e., organization, curriculum, faculty, facilities, performing groups)? 3. What are the relationships between the Catholic affiliation of each of these institutions and the development of their respective music programs/departments? 4. What are the similarities and the differences between the music programs of these schools (i.e., structure, faculty, facilities, curriculum and degrees offered, performance groups, and students)? 5. What role does music play in the overall vision of the universities and their development? 6. What are the implications of this study for music education in these and other liberal arts colleges?</p>

<p> The applied music lesson remains a revered symbol of Western European tradition in American music education. Very little research exists assessing its continued viability as a method in its current form. This paper examines eight author observed assumptions about applied music lessons which flaw the learning process. Through available research, the assumptions demonstrate that the traditional applied lesson is teacher centered and difficult to assess. Exposing the resultant delusions of the eight assumptions reveals how a holistic approach in a studio can engage students in critical thinking and enhance student self-awareness. These primary goals place the educational emphasis on the process rather than the technically perfect performance as the terminal experience. Sample lesson techniques for undergraduate viola students will incorporate critical thinking methods to transform the weekly encounter into a student-centered experience which develops skills for continued self-directed study.</p>

<p> The purpose of this study was to investigate the sources of variation in music preferences as defined by Leblanc (1980, 1982), provide a comprehensive review of literature as it relates to the variables under investigation, and make recommendations for future research in the field of music preference. Participants (N=420) were undergraduate students (<i>n</i>=354) at a large southeastern university and high school students (<i>n</i>=66) in the southeastern United States. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic information and data for this study. Using a Semantic differential, participants to indicated the influence of twenty-one variables on their musical preferences and an open-ended question at the end allowed them to mark any important influences that may have been left off of the questionnaire. Using demographic information participants were placed in unmatched groups for comparison. </p><p> Results showed stark differences between the groups' responses of certain variables. The most salient of comparisons was made between the groups of Music Major and Non-Music Major, and Musician and Non-Musician. The Music Major and Musician groups rated the variables of Teachers, Quality, Musical Ability, and Musical Training significantly higher. This may be due to the groups' development as musicians, creating a paradigm of influence that is based on musician-oriented variables. Alternately, Non-Music Majors and Non Musicians rated the variables of Mood, Personality, and Incidental Conditioning higher. Unlike the musician-centric paradigm, these groups seemed to base influences on self, social interaction, and emotion. Future research should investigate the relationship of the hierarchy of influential variables between the population of Musician and Non Musician.</p>

<p> The Concert Choir has been the flagship choral ensemble of Stetson University, a private, liberal arts university in DeLand, Florida, since 1935. The choir has traveled extensively throughout the southeast United States and twice abroad, serving as ambassadors for Stetson University. This study documents Stetson University's early history, the first few decades of choral activity at Stetson University, and the complete history of the Concert Choir through the tenure of Milburn Price. The study explores 1) the individuals, events, and institutions leading to the formation of the Concert Choir, 2) the philosophy and purpose of the Concert Choir, 3) the individuals, events and institutions that have shaped that philosophy and purpose, and 4) the ways in which the Spring Concert repertoire of the Concert Choir reflects the ensemble's philosophy and purpose. </p><p> The three major conductors of the Concert Choir, occupying 71 of the last 77 years, were Harold Giffin (1935-1972), Robert Rich (1972-1989), and Duncan Couch (1989-2006). Giffin was responsible for combining the separate glee clubs into one performing ensemble, performing Handel's <i> Messiah</i> annually for twenty-five years, and instituting an extensive touring schedule throughout the United States. The performances at the National Federation of Music Clubs (1939), New York City's Lincoln Center (1967), and the recording session that was broadcast coast-to-coast with NBC in Chicago (1953) were three of Giffin's tours that were most significant. Rich was the first alumnus of the Concert Choir to be hired as Director of Choral Activities and conducted the ensemble for their first ACDA convention performance in 1974. During his tenure, the High School Choral Clinic and Christmas Candlelight Concert, modeled after the English Lessons and Carols, were started and have continued annually throughout the scope of this study. Couch grew the popularity of both the clinic and the Candlelight Concert, took the Concert Choir on two European concert tours, and cultivated collaborations with many professional orchestras. </p><p> This study concludes that the Concert Choir is a choral organization influenced by the sacred a cappella choral traditions; however, it was not dominated by it. This study further identifies that the development of the annual Christmas Candlelight Concert and spring tour were foundational for the choir's activities each year. Documentation illustrates each director's willingness to accept this heritage and develop the Concert Choir accordingly throughout its history.</p>

<p> American composer Charles Ives was first and foremost a bandsman. Having been raised in the band world by his father, his first works were for band. Though only four of Ives's original works for band survive, many of his other works have been transcribed or arranged for band. Among these <i>"Country Band" March</i> is unique. Originally written between 1904-05 for theater orchestra, this work chronicles the events, circumstances, and realities of Ives's experience in the "band world." Ives's use of polymeter, polytonal passages, and multiple layers of rhythm, pitch, texture, distinguishes it as among the first of Ives's instrumental works to do so. Additionally, these characteristics provide considerable performance challenges for conductors and their ensembles. This study provides an overview of <i>"Country Band" March </i> including historical context, stylistic considerations, and rehearsal strategies. An exploration of the historical context will allow the conductor and ensemble member to understand the 19th-century band and thus more accurately perform the nuances Ives uses to portray these "country bands." It will also inform the conductor's ability to make accurate stylistic choices. A discussion of significant performance challenges and possible solutions to these challenges allows a more diverse level of ensembles to perform the work. Thus,<i> "Country Band" March</i> will be appreciated by more conductors and ensembles as among the best works for band.</p>

<p> Directors of school concert bands continue to program new and emergent works alongside pieces considered to be part of the core and traditional repertoire. The purpose of this dissertation was to discover what criteria directors consider important in their review of new and emergent concert band works for use in rehearsal and performance. A secondary objective examined if director experience and educational background influenced the evaluation of this music used in high school instrumental settings. </p><p> In order to evaluate this recent repertoire, the Concert Band Repertoire Evaluation Criteria (<i>CBREC</i>) was developed by the researcher, and reviewed by a panel of collegiate directors. The review of the <i> CBREC</i> revealed it to be a reliable tool for the purposes of the study. An independent panel of experts in concert band repertoire selected three works to be reviewed by participants. Invited participants comprised band directors who hold membership in an international band fraternity. The teaching responsibilities of these directors included conducting concert bands at American senior high schools. Participant directors rated each work using the <i> CBREC</i> after viewing an image of the music score and listening to an audio recording of the piece. The participant directors had the option of rating their familiarity with each piece used and answering three open-ended questions regarding repertoire selection. </p><p> Data collected from the participants indicated favorable mean ratings for the works used in the study. When the participant data were analyzed in sub-groups, several statistically significant findings were reported. Sub-groups including older directors, directors teaching only one ensemble, and directors who answered open-ended questions in the study demonstrated more stability in their ratings of the repertoire used in the study than did younger directors, directors teaching multiple ensembles, and directors who did not respond to open-ended questions. </p><p> Results suggested participant directors reached a consensus regarding several aspects of the pieces used in the study, indicated by the <i> CBREC</i> Ratings and open-ended comments. The correlational analysis of <i>CBREC</i> Items demonstrated that directors are considering multiple aspects of a work during the evaluation process. Data supported that melodic material, pedagogical use, as well as timbre and orchestration influence how this group of directors estimate the longevity of new concert band works. </p>

<p> Music appreciation is a popular General Education course at the university level and is included as a survey course for music majors at many universities, yet there is not a consensus on the "correct" way to teach the course. Many pedagogical approaches have been explored; each having its merits, and it is probable that there will never be unanimous agreement among music educators regarding which approach is the most effective. Three pedagogical approaches in particular have been effective; namely the analytical approach, the historical approach, and the contextual approach as described by professor of music Dr. Lewis W. Gordon. These approaches were applied in a onesemester survey music history course with the goal of analyzing which is the most effective in teaching freshman music majors. The assessment of these results will be discussed, and suggestions of ways to incorporate these methodologies into teaching will be offered. These approaches will also be discussed in their accordance with the Essential Learning Outcomes of AAC&amp;U's LEAP initiative.</p>

<p> The purpose of this study was to examine student section leaders and their leadership practices in collegiate marching band organizations. Through the use of the Student Leadership Practices Inventory (SLPI), the study surveyed members and staff of five collegiate marching bands: band directors, assistant band directors, graduate teaching assistants, student leaders, and student followers (<i>N</i>=447). In addition to the SLPI, a Marching Band Leadership Practices Questionnaire was completed by the marching band directors to gain insight about each marching band organization used in this study and to determine whether the marching bands practiced distributed leadership. </p><p> The SLPI assessment tool measured five leadership practices to identify exceptional student leaders through a 360-degree feedback survey process: Challenge the Process, Inspire a Shared Vision, Enable Others to Act, Model the Way, and Encourage the Heart. Increased understanding of student leaders and the five leadership practices in marching band could inform the organization's process of selecting leaders. </p><p> Student follower evaluations indicated a significant difference among the five practices, showing that Enable Others to Act was the least effective practice and Model the Way was the most effective practice for student leaders. Independent Samples <i>t</i>-tests of Student Leader vs. Student Follower SLPI scores showed that student leaders often perceived themselves displaying higher levels of leadership practice than did their student followers. Results indicated a significant difference for student follower characteristics and perceptions of student leaders: gender, music major status, and years of participation in a collegiate marching band. Results from the Marching Band Leadership Practices Questionnaire indicated that the student leaders in all five universities interact together with other leaders in a marching band, which is an important feature of distributed leadership. </p>