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theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the most valued repertoire of distinguished middle-level wind band conductors from across the United States and to explore how these works relate to various views on core repertoire for ensembles in this demographic. “Middle-level bands” are defined in this study as school woodwind, brass, and percussion ensembles affiliated with junior high, middle school, and high schools comprised of students ranging from grade levels six to nine. Several studies have attempted to identify a core repertoire for the wind band based primarily upon musical attributes, with little or no consideration given to the pedagogical development of student musicians. In this study, distinguished conductors of middle-level band programs, selected through the examination of several qualifiers, were surveyed to determine the actual music they programmed and deemed most beneficial. Respondents (N = 87) indicated their most valued repertoire, rating the works on a five-point Likert scale in the categories of artistic value, pedagogical value, likelihood of re-programming the work, and the extent they believe the work should be part of a core repertoire. Seventy of the 78 works (89.74%) on the resulting “Most Valued Repertoire for Middle-Level Band” list appear to be designed for use in educational settings, suggesting that directors are influenced primarily by pedagogical considerations.

ETD_7249

D.M.A.

Includes bibliographical references

by James P. McCrann

doi:10.7282/T3C24ZNT

ETD doctoral

The author owns the copyright to this work.