Instrumental Jazz Ensemble Programs in Alabama High Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to survey the instrumental jazz ensembles of Alabama’s public high schools during the 2008-09 academic year. Since existing data on high school jazz ensemble programs in Alabama were limited, the objective of this study was to identify and describe developments and practices of current instrumental jazz ensemble programs. One hundred eighty three Alabama band directors responded to questionnaire items concerning the preparation of the director, school curriculum offerings for jazz instruction, rehearsal scheduling and performance opportunities, and funding sources and available equipment. Larger high schools in Alabama had a much higher occurrence of an organized high school jazz band. The majority of respondents stated that college jazz ensemble activity was most helpful in preparing directors to teach an instrumental jazz ensemble. Weekly practice time was positively correlated with the number of public relations performances, and the most common type of performances were for public relations. Drum sets, electric keyboards, sound equipment, and amplifiers were priority items for jazz band directors regardless of school size or level of funding.