Leaders of the Pack: Responsibilities and Experiences of Collegiate Drum Majors

摘要: Method Participants and Researcher Role The participants in this study were three drum majors from a major university marching band: Anthony, Sonya, Nicole. At the time of study, piccolo player, was 22 years old fourth-year member band. horn 20-year-old her third year as Nicole, clarinet 20 second-year All attended high school same state each participant his or first service with Sonya Nicole had previous experience at level, but Anthony did not. Of three, only pursuing any formal music studies level she worked toward double education science. band director selected for their positions through an audition process he purposely students staggered ages membership to maintain continuity flow future leadership. I initially introduced my capacity graduate teaching assistant program. entered after six working middle bands, including direction competitive Though no personal major, position auditioned, selected, trained these experiences helped me connect participants. As staff, assisted both visual musical aspects rehearsals, director, other student leaders prepare performances. beginning approximately two months, by conclusion them total five months. Data Collection Research Questions gathered observations, series short on-field interviews, longer individual interviews. practice field served initial observation site study. Early semester, observed made "time on task" charts, noting how spent during rehearsal. A sample task chart is included Appendix A. These charts gain insight into majors' leadership responsibilities such setting up equipment, synchronizing conducting gestures practice, consulting staff members about performance, answering questions members. Reviewing allowed shape context scope in-depth In subsequent continued make then supplemented observations interviews rehearsal breaks jotting basic notes notebook. Additionally, while all home football games member, dedicated specifically observing one game performance acquire greater understanding multiple roles they fulfilled. main purpose data collection phase formulate carefully monitored place participant-observer continuum (Spradley, 1980; Wolcott, Le Compte, Milroy, & Preissle, 1992) interview effort balance paid duties research agenda. Unable devote entire pure unwilling talk long periods rehearsal, carried small notebook throughout rehearsals tried negotiate fair between duties. …