ATTITUDES OF HIGH SCHOOL BAND DIRECTORS, BAND MEMBERS, PARENTS, AND PRINCIPALS TOWARD MARCHING BAND CONTESTS

Design and Procedures. The study consisted of a descriptive survey conducted in two parts. In Part I questionnaires were mailed to a random sample of 421 high schools in 50 states. The band director and principal in each school received a separate questionnaire with similar items asking them to rate the value of the contests on a seven-point scale (1 = No value, 7 = Great value). In Part II 12 contest-active schools were selected from the original sample for more intensive study. The researcher conducted personal interviews with the principal and band director, and administered questionnaires to the band members at each school. Questionnaires were mailed to a randomly selected 50% sample of band parents.;Attitudes of subjects in Part II were generally very favorable toward marching band contests. Parents rated the contests highest in terms of personal benefits to students (x = 6.30). Students rated the contests highest in improving public relations for the school (x = 5.92). There was a positive, statistically significant (p < .05) relationship between value ratings and the number of contests entered by the band. Other factors positively related to the value ratings were the band's budget, the band's size, the number of awards earned in marching competition, and the amount of parent involvement in band activities.;Conclusions. Marching band contests are viewed much more in terms of sociological and personal benefits than in terms of music education. Participants value the contests highly as sources of excitement, self-discipline, pride, and group identity.;Results. Sixty-two percent of the bands surveyed in Part I participated in marching band contests. There was a statistically significant (p < .05) difference in the annual number of marching contests per band by geographical area. The West was highest (x = 2.75) and the Midwest was lowest (x = 1.00). Band directors rated the contests lowest in terms of the musical advancement of students (x = 3.82 on the seven-point scale) and highest in terms of personal benefits (discipline, self-esteem) to students (x = 5.44). Principals rated the contests higher (x = 5.83) in improving public relations for the school and lowest (x = 4.44) in improving financial support for the band.