Date

5-16-2024

Department

School of Music

Degree

Doctor of Music Education (DME)

Chair

Thomas Goddard

Keywords

Music Education, Rural, Instrumental Music

Disciplines

Education | Music

Abstract

Rural school instrumental programs are commonly categorized as small and struggling. Teaching in these programs is often considered a stepping-stone for music educators. Despite common challenges such as limited or less educated staff, underdeveloped musicians, and a lack of resources, some rural programs have found inventive solutions to combat the obstacles of rural schools and grow successful band programs. There is a need to address the obstacles of being a high school band director whose program is growing or needs to improve regarding student participation and musicianship in this setting. This qualitative research study seeks to uncover similar challenges current high school band directors face when increasing or attempting to develop their programs musically and organizationally in small rural communities in Georgia. Existing literature combined with a research survey will emphasize high school directors’ specific challenges in these settings. The solutions they report will also be published. The results of the research survey suggest that although there are many trials in teaching in these situations, music and organizational growth can still be found. The study has implications for current or future band directors, as it will fill a gap in the literature about the challenges facing high school band directors in Georgia regarding organizational and musical growth. By reading about how current directors overcome difficulties, other directors may be encouraged to grow similarly. Furthermore, the writing of this study could embolden additional research into the hardships of other teaching aspects in small-rural school settings by this or other authors.

Download

Share

COinS