Being in Competition: A Phenomenological Study of Competition in High School Bands

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 27
  In Roundtable Session: Wind Band: Pedagogy, Practices, and Participants

Abstract

Band competitions are a facet of thousands of directors’ and students’ musical experiences each year, yet little is known about what it is like to compete and what meanings competitors make from their experiences. This hermeneutic phenomenological study uses the experiences of 12 participants who have competed as either high school band directors, students, or both. Findings indicate that participants approach competition with tension and concern. They wish to compete, but contradictorily want to do so without being competitive. Music educators perceived competition as influential in their careers. Participants indicated connections between competitive results and their personal perceptions of competence, feelings of credibility with students, reputation within the field, and potential for career advancement and job retention.

Author

• Emmett James O'Leary, SUNY - College at Potsdam