Micropolitics of Band Booster Interactions

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 1:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Examining Instrumental Music Education (Table 5)

Abstract

Especially when marching bands are part of the high school band program, they may require substantial funds and volunteers to organize uniforms, props, costumes and flags, electronics, and transportation. As a result, band booster groups are a significant support structures underlying many secondary band programs. However, anecdotal evidence and practitioner literature suggests relationships between band teachers and booster groups may become tense and problematic. The purpose of this multiple case study is to describe micropolitical interactions between school band directors and the parent booster groups that support music programs. The central research question is: (a) how do band directors describe their interactions with their booster groups?

Author

• Ryan D. Shaw, Michigan State University