An exploration of the self-selection of musical parts by members of a New Horizons concert band

Abstract

Abstract This study examined the self-selection of musical parts (first, second, third or fourth) as perceived by members of a New Horizons concert band. Ensemble members’ self-reported part selection decisions, preferences for specific parts, perceived difficulties and benefits of the self-selection of musical parts, and suggestions for improvement of this part selection process were also examined. In this mixed methods study, an anonymous online questionnaire was used to collect data from (n=29) respondents, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with (n=9) participants. Results indicated that multiple factors influenced the self-selection of musical parts. These factors included, but may not be limited to: preferences for a particular part, the need for a balanced section, a need for all musical parts to be performed, personal musical skills, perceptions of the musical skill levels of other section members, and perhaps most important, a desire to make one’s best contribution to the ensemble. Suggested options for guiding ensemble members in the self-selection of musical parts, and for presenting members with strategies to improve musical skills while playing a variety of parts are discussed in the context of self-directed learning in an ensemble setting.