The Attitudes of U.S.

K-12 and Collegiate Steel Band Directors Regarding Curriculum and Pedagogy

Dr. Brandon L. Haskett Assistant Professor of Music, Saginaw Valley State University

INTRODUCTION
As world music offerings in the K-12 and collegiate levels increase it is essential to consider the current state of the pedagogy and curriculum being applied in steel bands in the United States. There is considerable variation in the teaching approaches used as well as repertoire selection.

ATTITUDE ITEMS (FREQUENCIES)

PREFERENCE FOR WRITTEN NOTATION

NOTE: INFERENTIAL DATA AND OTHER ATTITUDE DATA IN PAPER ONLY

DISCUSSION
How can the field ensure that teachers (and pre-service teachers) receive proper exposure to non-standard teaching techniques? -A critical look not just at the inclusion of multicultural
or world music components but what these components provide prospective teachers.

PREFERENCE FOR ROTE INSTRUCTION

PREFERENCE FOR A MIXTURE OF APPROACHES

This research is based on a March 2012 survey study of 216 steel band directors of U.S. K-12 and collegiate steel bands. There are distinct trends regarding teaching methods and repertoire choices that are informative to directors and initiate important critical questions for the field. This study fills a significant gap in the literature, as it is the first widely distributed survey of steel band directors in the United States.

What are the various steel band traditions in the United States? What are the end goals of these ensembles in various settings in the U.S.?
-Traditions range from Panorama style ensembles, Americanized pop style ensembles, general music applications, among others.

PREFERENCE FOR LEAD SHEETS

PREFERENCE FOR HAVING STRONG PLAYER TEACH

What level of access do these various steel band traditions provide K-12 and collegiate students in the U.S.?
-The pedagogy used and type of participant selection process greatly affects the outcomes of ensemble participation.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS
What are the musical backgrounds of K12/Collegiate steel band directors? What do the U.S steel band programs look like (number of groups, number of participants, and the selection of participants)? Is historical context included in the steel band curriculum? Is improvisation included in the steel band curriculum? Are there correlations between the various dependent variables (attitude items focused on teaching methodology and teaching materials) in this study? Are there significant differences between various groups in their attitudes towards teaching methodology?

What place do historical context, knowledge of genre, and knowledge of significant individuals have in the steel band?
-Are steel band directors taking a comprehensive musicianship approach to their ensembles?

DESCRIPTIVE FINDINGS
Category of Steel Band Elementary Middle School/Junior High High School/Senior High College/University Frequency 28 24 67 68 Percentage 13.0 11.1 31.0 31.5 1.4 9.3 0.5 2.3 # of Steel Bands in the program 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 124 53 17 13 4 3 2 57.4 24.5 7.9 6.0 1.9 1.4 0.9 Frequency Percentage

STEEL BAND RESOURCES

Steel Drums and Steelbands: A History by Angela Smith The Steel Band Game Plan: Strategies for Starting, Building, and Maintaining Your Pan program by Chris Tanner Music from Behind the Bridge: Steelband Aesthetics and Politics in Trinidad and Tobago by Shannon Dudley Steel Band Directors Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/steelbanddirector/ Andy Narells Alive DVD Box-Set

Elementary/Middle School Combo 3 Middle School/High School Combo 20 High School/University Mix Other 1 5

Experience Played in steel band before college Played in steel band during college

Frequency 25

Percentage 11.6

CONTACT INFORMATION
97 44.9

Are their significant differences between demographic groups in their attitudes towards teaching materials?

Played in steel band after college Play in a steel band currently Played steelpan in Carnival

130

60.2

Dr. Brandon L. Haskett, Assistant Professor of Music Saginaw Valley State University blhasket@svsu.edu http://blhaskett.posterous.com

68

31.5

27

12.5

RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION DESIGN 2012

www.PosterPresentations.com