Repertoire Selection Processes of Basic School Marching Band Instructors in Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate into the repertoire selection practices of Basic school marching band instructors in Ghana. Questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide designed for the collection of data obtained demographic information and identified the criteria and procedures used by basic school band directors in selecting repertoire for their bands. An instrumental case study design allowed me to gain an in-depth understanding of band instructors’ perspectives. Data were solicited from 26 school band directors selected using snowball sampling method. Of the 26 directors invited to participate, all agreed to do so and actually responded to all questions. Results revealed that the three most frequently reported sources of repertoire selection were other band experiences, recommendations from colleagues, and school ensemble participation. The three factors most frequently reported as affecting repertoire selection decisions were the appeal of the music to self, appeal of the music to colleagues, the audience appeal to the music, and students’ appeal to music. Recommendations drawn from the research findings included the following: repertoire for school band methods and wind literature classes needs to be more adequately addressed, and school band instructors in Ghana should focus more on ‘quality’ and consider the human subjective elements as alternatives.