An Investigation of Conflicts in the Perceptions of Band Directors, School Administrators, and Selected Members of the Community About Their Respective Band Programs

• Main Author: Whitelegg, Clifford Paul
• Other Authors: Froehlich, Hildegard C.
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: North Texas State University 1986
• Subjects: high school bands; school and community; conflicts in educational perceptions; perceptions about school band programs; Bands (Music) > Instruction and study.; School music > Instruction and study.; Community and school.; Student activities > Public opinion.
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc332176/

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.