| Purposes were (1) to gather critical information concerning the status of mixed-wind chamber ensembles at selected institutions of higher learning, and (2) to identify a core repertoire for these ensembles. The mixed-wind chamber ensemble was defined as a heterogeneous ensemble of seven to sixteen instrumentalists, having one player to a part, in which wind instruments function in a primary role. Strings and percussion may be included if they comprise less than half of the ensemble. The use of a conductor is implied, but is not a requirement.;Two independent survey instruments were developed and implemented to address the two main purposes of the study. A status questionnaire was mailed to 396 wind band directors randomly selected from the membership of the College Music Society. One hundred seventy-six questionnaires were completed for a return of 44%. This response rate represented a 15.8% sampling of the total collegiate band programs listed in the membership of the College Music Society.;A repertoire evaluation form was mailed to sixteen eminent wind conductors. The evaluation instrument consisted of 405 compositions, utilizing a five-point criterion-referenced evaluative scale. Fourteen of the repertoire evaluation forms were returned.;Results indicate that approximately half of the responding institutions (48.9%) currently offer a mixed-wind chamber ensemble. Fifty-four percent of the respondents indicated that their mixed-wind chamber ensemble was not a separate course, but an outgrowth or subgroup of the institution's wind band.;A strong contingency of respondents (74.4%) perceive the mixed-wind chamber ensemble as "important" or "very important" to the total collegiate wind performance curriculum. Data indicates that 61.9% of the respondents perceived their institution did not place enough emphasis on the mixed-wind chamber idiom.;Two strata of core repertoire was identified for the mixed-wind chamber ensemble. Also included was a list of works that received meritorious ratings by fewer than eight evaluators. |
