The relationship between competition and the curricular practices of choral music educators : a survey

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between competition and the curricular practices of Indiana choral music educators. All 450 secondary choral directors in Indiana were invited to complete the Competition Choral Curriculum Questionnaire (CCCQ). Analysis of responses (N = 149) revealed several significant correlations: (a) increased time spent preparing for show competitions in general and choreography in particular corresponded with decreased time dedicated to music literacy development, (b) increased time spent preparing for concert choir competitions corresponded with increased time dedicated to music literacy and cross-curricular discussions; (c) increased time spent rehearsing popular music corresponded with decreased time dedicated to music literacy and cross-curricular activities, and (d) increased time spent rehearsing classical/concert literature corresponded with increased time dedicated to music literacy development. Results suggest that choral music educators should carefully consider the impact of using curricular time to prepare for show choir competitions.