Date
8-6-2025
Department
School of Music
Degree
Doctor of Music Education (DME)
Chair
Nathan Street
Keywords
music education, psychological well-being, inclusion, emotional well-being, self-esteem, connectedness, university marching bands, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Predominantly White Institutions
Disciplines
Higher Education | Music
Recommended Citation
Yates, Derrick K., "Inclusion May Affect Marching Band Members of Black Universities Differently than Members of White Universities: Narrative Inquiry: A Case Study" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7270.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7270
Abstract
There is a lack of research on the emotional connection and support students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities may seek through their band experience versus students of Predominantly White Institutions. Some studies demonstrate that those who participate in music ensembles express heightened self-esteem, a sense of connectedness, and a positive impact on their mental and psychological well-being. This narrative inquiry research study focuses on the unexplored perspectives of three band members from historically black and three predominantly white university marching bands, regarding their emotional connections to their programs and the emotional connections and support they receive from them. The current writer develops a narrative that depicts their experiences with the marching band through interviews and observations. This work is necessary because it may help band directors in understanding their students' need for inclusion and connections to marching bands, which can aid in the overall emotional, mental, and psychological well-being of band members, as well as strengthening the health and well-being of the overall band community. Studies on unreported student perspectives may advance further research on emotional connections and the support students seek through their band experiences. Moreover, this study may motivate others to consider the narrative inquiry research method to study the cultural relevance of band hazing, non-traditional marching band members, and the quality of musicianship and band etiquette. Further explaining why students may feel these topics are important to them.
