The word “relationship” is defined as; the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected. Basically meaning the way in which two or more people, or organizations, regard and behave toward each other. In the band world it is detrimental, to the future of a music organization, that its band leaders create and build upon relationships throughout their profession. Few relationships are more important than that of the high school band director and the college band director.
On February, 3 2017 we initiated a mass survey of high school band directors in the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. This survey was apart of a broader study on the relationships between High School and HBCU band programs within NC, SC, and GA. Our hope is that the data collected will give some incite on the relationships, which will either expose a broken system that is in need of repair or highlight the benefits of a successful working relationship.
Let’s review the results of the survey:
What is the perception of the HBCU Bands in your state on social media?
- 15.8% of respondents said that HBCUs in their state are perceived “very positively”
- 52.6% of respondents said that HBCUs in their state are perceived “some what positively”
- 21.1% of respondents said that HBCUs in their state are not relevant at all on social media
- 10.5% of respondents said that HBCUs in their state are perceived “negatively”
In what ways are you usually contacted by an HBCU Band Program within your state?
- 36.8% of respondents said they are mostly contacted by email
- 31.6% of respondents said they are mostly contacted by phone
- 21.1% of respondents said they are mostly contacted by Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)
- 10.5% of respondents said they are mostly contacted by flyer or campaign letter
How often have you received a visit from a staff member of an HBCU Band Program within your state?
- 21.1% Never
- 26.3% Once a year
- 21.1% Less than 3 times per year
- 31.6% More than 3 times per year
How are HBCU band scholarship auditions, in your state, usually conducted?
- 31.6% On the campus of your H.S.
- 42.1% On a college campus
- 21.1% Video Audition
- 5.3% Live video audition by way of a streaming service
Are HBCU band scholarship audition requirements usually sent to the HS director, well in advance of the actual audition?
- 26.3% Never
- 57.9% Sometimes
- 5.3% Most of the time
- 10.5% Always
Would you say HBCU Band Scholarship Awards are given accurately or fairly?
- 10.5% Never
- 42.1% Sometimes
- 47.4% Most of the time
- 0% Always
Has an HBCU band program in your state hosted quality clinical experiences for students (Honor Bands, Summer Music Camps, etc..)?
- 10.5% Never
- 63.2% Sometimes
- 15.8% Often
- 10.5% Always
Has an HBCU band program in your state provided oppurtunities for your students to receive private instruction?
- 57.9% Never
- 31.6% Sometimes
- 5.3% Often
- 5.3% Always
Has an HBCU band program in your state hosted clinical experiences for Directors (Directors’ clinics, Prof. Dev. opportunities, etc..)?
- 52.6% Never
- 42.1% Sometimes
- 5.3% Often
- 0% Always
Does an HBCU band program in your state participate in state based NAfME organizations? (SCMEA, GBDA, NCMEA, etc..) as members or host sites?
- 31.6% Never
- 47.4% Sometimes
- 15.8% Often
- 5.3% Always
Is there an HBCU band program in your state that is involved in District, Region, and All-State Honor Band auditions (lessons, recorded solos, etc.)?
- 78.9% Never
- 21.1% Sometimes
- 0% Often
- 0% Always
Is there an HBCU band program in your state involved in the preparation of your program for Large Group Performance Evaluation (Concert Festival)?
- 78.9% Never
- 21.1% Sometimes
- 0% Often
- 0% Always
Is there an HBCU band in your state that advocates for your program directly to your school/district administrators?
- 68.4% Never
- 31.6% Has in the past
- 0% Occasionally
- 0% Always
Are you pleased with the overall effectiveness of the HBCU band program(s) in your state?
- 42.1% No I am not
- 26.3% Neither pleased nor displeased
- 21.1% Somewhat Pleased
- 10.5% Very Pleased
Are most of your students interested in attending an HBCU band program in your state?
- 26.3% No most are not interested
- 10.5% Most are undecided
- 31.6% Most are somewhat interested
- 31.6% Most are very interested
