Selected band conductors' preparation to conduct selected band compositions
Ellis, Barry Len
This item is only available for download by members of the University of Illinois community. Students, faculty, and staff at the U of I may log in with your NetID and password to view the item. If you are trying to access an Illinois-restricted dissertation or thesis, you can request a copy through your library's Inter-Library Loan office or purchase a copy directly from ProQuest.
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/19934
Description
Title
Selected band conductors' preparation to conduct selected band compositions
Author(s)
Ellis, Barry Len
Issue Date
1994
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Leonhard, Charles
Department of Study
Music
Discipline
Music Education
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ed.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Music
Education, Music
Language
eng
Abstract
The problem of the study was to determine the procedures used by selected, eminent university band conductors in preparing to conduct a performance of a major band composition. Information used in the study was gathered by means of personal interviews with five selected university band conductors. The five selected conductors met the following criteria: (1) being a member of the American Bandmasters Association (ABA); (2) being a past or present Director of Bands at a Big Ten University. The participating conductors were: Harry Begian, Director of Bands Emeritus, University of Illinois; Kenneth Bloomquist, Michigan State University; James F. Keene, University of Illinois; Craig Kirchhoff, The Ohio State University; and H. Robert Reynolds, University of Michigan.
The investigator constructed an Interview Guide for Selected Band Conductors which was used in determining significant influences pertinent to each participant's development as a band conductor. Part One of the interview served to establish an individual focus for each conductor. Part Two was employed to determine the score preparation procedures used by each conductor, how they would mark their scores in preparing to rehearse and perform a composition, and the amount of emphasis each places on score preparation in teaching courses in band conducting.
Even though the band directors participating in the study differ in age, background, education, and experience, there emerged notable consistency among them with regard to the processes they employ in preparing to conduct a major band composition: (1) They carry on intensive study of the score using what for them is the most effective means to hearing the composition whether it be playing the score on the piano or another instrument, singing with or without solfege or audiating during analysis of the composition. (2) They use multiple means to gain musical understanding including research to determine the circumstances surrounding the creation and early performances of the composition, the opinions of established critics, listening to recordings during preliminary study of the score and studying other works of the composer and his or her contemporaries. (3) They mark the score minimally to enhance efficiency in rehearsals and the expressive import in performance.
Use this login method if you
don't
have an
@illinois.edu
email address.
(Oops, I do have one)
IDEALS migrated to a new platform on June 23, 2022. If you created
your account prior to this date, you will have to reset your password
using the forgot-password link below.
