Motivation for males to participate in private middle school and high school choruses

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Chris E. Haire (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
David Teachout

Abstract: The purpose of this descriptive study was to analyze chorus participation by males in private middle schools and high schools located in central North Carolina. Specifically, the study was designed to determine: (a) the number of males in these choruses, as compared to the number of females, and (b) the primary motivators of males' initial and continued participation. The study included a convenience sample (N = 82) comprised of (a) male students who sang in elective secondary-level choruses in private schools (n = 73) and (b) the directors of these choruses (n = 9). The researcher used two researcher-designed surveys to collect data from participants: (a) the Choral Director Survey (CDS), and (b) the Male Choral Student Survey (MCSS). The CDS was completed by school choral director participants and was used to gather information regarding numbers of male and female students in choruses, confirm the elective nature of chorus classes offered, and determine grade level participation in choruses. The MCSS was completed by male student participants and was used to gather motivational data regarding their decisions to join and remain in chorus. Male and female chorus participation data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Males' initial chorus participation motivational data were analyzed using a factor analysis statistical procedure, and their continued participation motivational data were analyzed using a principal components analysis statistical procedure and a multiple regression statistical procedure. Two Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha measures of internal consistency were calculated to establish the reliability of Parts One and Two of the MCSS data collection instrument. Part One of the MCSS measured male participant motivation for initial chorus participation (á = .921, óe = 8.961) and Part Two of the MCSS measured chorus continued participation (á = .939, óe = 9.293). Both Part One and Part Two of the MCSS measured with a high level of reliability and an acceptable amount of error. Analysis of the male and female chorus participation data confirmed similar results from other studies. In the 11 private middle and high school elective choruses included in the present study, the number of female students exceeded the number of male students. Males comprised 31% of secondary school chorus students. Analysis of male participants' initial chorus participation motivational data revealed two primary factors that explained approximately 55% of the variance in male participant responses: (a) an enjoyment of music and chorus and (b) an interest in a class that was less difficult and time consuming than other available options. Analysis of the male participants' continued chorus participation motivational data revealed two significant predictors, which the researcher titled (a) social and (b) unique class.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2015
Keywords
Choir, Chorus, Males, Motivation, School, Singing
Subjects
School music $x Instruction and study $z United States
Choirs (Music)
Motivation (Psychology)
Participation

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