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Post Pandemic Band Programs: The Impact of COVID-19 on Retention and Attrition

Date

2023-06-26

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

ORCID

0009-0002-5583-542X

Type

Thesis

Degree Level

Masters

Abstract

The present study investigated student retention and attrition in post-pandemic band programs. The global COVID-19 pandemic disrupted music education worldwide, and while many ensembles, including band programs, maintained enrolment numbers similar to pre-pandemic times, others did not. To understand why students chose to continue band following their COVID-19 pandemic-band experience, a qualitative study was conducted in which 109 band students and 35 parents/guardians of band students were surveyed, and band teachers from five high schools were interviewed. Critical to examining motivation for student retention in band programs was utilizing the psychological framework of Deci and Ryan’s (1985) Self-Determination Theory, especially in relation to the construct of relatedness and community in music programs. The findings from this study will be particularly relevant to music educators who are moving forward in a post-pandemic band program, especially given that the results from this study indicate that intrinsic factors were greater motivating forces in band retention than external factors. The study illuminated that band teachers responded to the pandemic restrictions with creativity, patience, flexibility, and adaptability while keeping their students’ mental health at the forefront of their pedagogical choices and modifications. Furthermore, technology was helpful on a variety of levels and, in some cases, during the height of restrictions, was a critical component in pivoting the band program delivery model. This research study contributes to the literature in novel ways, exploring successful retention practices in relation to an unprecedented pandemic in which restrictions were imposed and extensive program delivery modifications were required. This study, therefore, is consequential in providing music educators with information about healthy post-pandemic band program outcomes in the post-pandemic climate

Description

Keywords

COVID-19 pandemic, pandemic-band programs, post-pandemic band programs, intrinsic motivation, high school band retention and attrition, Self-Determination Theory

Citation

Degree

Master of Music (M.Mus.)

Department

Music

Program

Educational Administration

Part Of

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DOI

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