Browsing by Subject "Repertoire"

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    Examination of the impact of the Contemporary Music Project on wind band repertoire and performance in Oregon.
    (2009-10) Robblee, Timothy John
    Wind band conductors have long considered the identification, selection, and creation of quality repertoire as fundamental issues in teaching music in the context of an instrumental ensemble. The Contemporary Music Project (CMP), through the placement of 90 composers in public schools from 1959 to 1973, created a substantial body of repertoire for high school wind band. While researchers have articulated the historical importance of the CMP in encouraging composers to write for the wind band, the direct impact of the compositions has not been explored sufficiently. The purpose of the present study was to study the impact of CMP compositions by examining the music composed by three Oregon-based CMP composers (OBCC) and the impact of these compositions upon repertoire practices in the state of Oregon. Such a study was needed to identify factors that hindered the impact of CMP band repertoire and to inform similar repertoire commissioning efforts in the future. Following a detailed examination of CMP history and an exhaustive literature review, diverse types of data were collected to answer a set of research questions. Evidence of the lasting impact of compositions by the OBCC was sought through examination of published repertoire resources, state repertoire lists, state and regional conference programs, and a survey of Oregon high school band directors. Analysis of these data revealed that CMP compositions from Oregon had only minimal impact upon the repertoire practices of state high school band directors. To more fully understand the factors that influenced this lack of impact, a representative work by each of the three composers (Karl Kroeger, James Kurtz, and Lawrence Widdoes) was selected for expert evaluation. Additionally, data were collected through open-ended evaluator survey responses and composer interviews. Data analysis revealed two primary factors that limited the impact of works composed by the OBCC. First, though considered of good quality by evaluators, compositions of the OBCC did not distinguish themselves from previously composed works and were viewed as somewhat traditional in style. Second, CMP infrastructure in regards to publishing and promotion of works was found to be ineffective in reaching the target audience of high school band directors. The present document concludes with a detailed discussion of these results and recommendations for future research.
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    Film Music and Wind Band Repertoire: The Opinions of High School Band Directors
    (2004-03) Hintzman, Michael
    Selecting appropriate repertoire seems to be an issue of ongoing interest among wind band directors. Since the curriculum of a wind ensemble is largely determined by the repertoire, one can make the argument that choosing the music to be performed may be the most important decision that the conductor can make. Although symphonic film music and film music arrangements for these ensembles are readily available, few studies appear to exist regarding the role of film music within the wind band repertoire. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the opinions of high school band directors regarding their use of film music arrangements in their concert programs throughout the regular school year. The subjects for this investigation were high school band directors from three north midwestern states. A questionnaire was sent to approximately 500 high school band directors in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The subjects were asked to provide their opinions regarding appropriate venues for film music performance, the quality of film music transcriptions or arrangements for wind band and the influence of film music and film composers on wind band composers and compositions. The respondents were also given the opportunity to offer general opinions about the general topic of film music and wind band repertoire. The results of this study showed that there is agreement among subjects that a “Non-Pops” concert is an appropriate venue for film music performance while a music contest or festival is not an appropriate venue for film music performance. The results also showed that the directors believed that film music arrangements are of high quality and that this music has artistic value in addition to popular appeal. Very few respondents reported that they program film music more today than they did five to eight years ago. Most of the directors would like to see some of the older film scores arranged for the wind band and that film music has influence wind band compositions. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that there be more professional discussion about film music transcriptions/arrangements for the wind band. More discussion may lead to a recognition of high quality film music music that could be programmed on a regular basis. It is also recommended that if film music is programmed, the arrangement’s musical value rather than short term popularity should be a selection factor.