Date of Award
5-2024
Degree Type
Honors College Thesis
Academic Program
Music BA
Department
Music
First Advisor
Jonathan Kilgore, D.M.A.
Second Advisor
Ian Cicco, Ph.D.
Advisor Department
Music
Abstract
This study examined how collegiate choral ensemble participants viewed their highest quality performance and their favorite performance. Examining characteristics of performances may encourage conversations about performance values between directors and students. Limited research has been done about musicians’ views, as getting accurate and in-the-moment documentation of how musicians feel about their performances is challenging. To provide more insight into this previously understudied topic, this study aimed to explore the musicians’ perspectives on their performances and how their emotions and repertoire are intertwined.
The Primary Investigator (PI) conducted an anonymous study among the 2022–2023 choral ensemble participants at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM). To help define characteristics of performances that make them memorable, participants answered a series of short-answer questions about collegiate choir performances they had participated in: one excellent performance and their favorite performance. Results showed that excellent performances have high rates of musical success and precision. Additionally, enjoying the composition of a piece was the most frequently mentioned aspect of favorite performances. For both performances, participants listed their ensemble peers and the emotions evoked by music as being important parts of their experiences. Participants reported having more fun and feeling happier during their favorite performances. Participants also discussed feeling more confident during their excellent performances. Ultimately, these results indicated that choral ensemble participants have a variety of values and expectations for their performances. However, despite the individualized differences, musicians are likely to get emotionally involved during performances. To encourage more ensemble cohesion when working towards higher goals, choral directors may consider collaborating with their students during the standard- and expectation- setting process. Implications will be discussed.
Copyright
Copyright for this thesis is owned by the author. It may be freely accessed by all users. However, any reuse or reproduction not covered by the exceptions of the Fair Use or Educational Use clauses of U.S. Copyright Law or without permission of the copyright holder may be a violation of federal law. Contact the administrator if you have additional questions.
Recommended Citation
Hunter, Kaelyn, "Exploring the Collegiate Choir Participant's Values within Ensemble Performances" (2024). Honors Theses. 958.
https://aquila.usm.edu/honors_theses/958