Status of Band and Orchestra Programs in North Carolina

David S. Miller, Rebecca B. MacLeod, Jennifer S. Walter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine K–12 instrumental music education in North Carolina. Specifically, we investigated course offerings, teacher demographics, teaching responsibilities, and music program funding. We administered a survey to the members of the North Carolina Music Educators Association listserv who indicated band or orchestra as their teaching area. Participants identified themselves as teachers of orchestra (n = 44), band (n = 173), or a hybrid of both (n = 17). Of schools that offered instrumental music, 95% offered band and 36% offered orchestra. More than 20% of orchestra teachers were “very likely to retire within 5 years.” The majority of teachers relied on fundraising to provide adequate music education for students. Results of this study were analyzed and compared to national averages reported in the Give a Note Foundation’s 2017 report: The Status of Music Education in United States Public Schools. Implications for orchestra teachers, music programs, music teacher preparation curriculum, and future research are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)51-65
Number of pages15
JournalString Research Journal
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • orchestra
  • orchestra status
  • string education
  • string teachers

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • History
  • Music

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Status of Band and Orchestra Programs in North Carolina'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this