An Investigation of the Music Literature Being Performed at Jazz Band Music Performance Assessments in Florida

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the performance trends of middle school, junior/senior high school, and high school ensembles at District Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) Jazz Band Music Performance Assessments (MPAs) from 2012 to 2017. More specifically, this study investigated the pieces, composers, and arrangers most frequently performed, and how many schools participated. Data were derived from a pool of compositions performed at FBA District Jazz Band MPAs between 2012 and 2017 ( N = 5,664). Of the pieces performed, there were 1,816 different compositions played. The compositions performed featured 619 different composers and 249 different arrangers. Additionally, 47.78% of schools involved in FBA had at least one jazz band perform during the 5-year period analyzed in this study. Overall, findings suggested that secondary school jazz bands in Florida have grown in popularity.