Master of Music / Department of Music / Frank Tracz / The following report is a comprehensive analysis of two works for wind band and one work for brass ensemble, prepared by Adam Ladd. The report was completed during the Spring semester of 2014 and culminated with live performances of each piece by the Kansas State University Concert Band and Brass Ensemble with Adam Ladd conducting. Audio and video recordings of the conducted performances can be found within the K-State Research Exchange database. The following report includes three comprehensive Unit Studies or Teacher Research Guides in the format that is described in the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band book series. The report also includes three Tracz Analysis Grids in the format that is found in The Art of Interpretation of Band Music. The examined pieces are as follows. Toccatta for Band, by Frank Erickson, Mutations from Bach, by Samuel Barber, and Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, by John Philip Sousa, arranged by Philip Sparke.

Master of Music / Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance / Frank C. Tracz / Three essential components of wind band conducting are as follows: music selection, score study, and rehearsal planning. This report contains an analysis and rehearsal plan for two band works and a discussion on quality literature selection for band as well as a personal philosophy of music education and student learning. The two works presented are Dances of Innocence by Jan van der Roost and Air for Band by Frank Erickson.

Master of Music / Department of Music / Frank C. Tracz / This document was written after examination, research, score analysis, and lesson planning in preparation for the Graduate Conducting Recital of Travis M. Johnson. This recital was held on Monday, March 8, 2010 at the Cheney High School Auditorium at 6:00 pm. A philosophy of Music Education and criteria for quality literature selection is followed by the theoretical and historical analysis of four works; Flourish for Wind Band by Ralph Vaughn Williams, Air for Band by Frank Erickson, An American Elegy by Frank Ticheli, and Rough Riders by Karl King arranged by James Swearingen. Lesson plans, rehearsal aids, warm up exercises, and student assignments are included in the examination of this process.