The National School Band Contest of 1923 has been cited as the official start of the competition movement in high school bands. This contest movement inspired competition in our school systems that we know today in the form of solo and ensemble festivals, marching band competitions, and concert band festivals. However, large ensemble competition can bring about challenges with adjudicator bias, inequities from schools’ socio economic status, pressure for the director, and unreliable rating tools. This presentation will discuss the history of competition in the United States, the impacts of competition on directors and students, and alternative ideas to competition for directors and students who may want to explore other options.
Target Audience
Band Directors, and any could attend
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Karen Koner
San Diego State University
Dr. Karen Koner serves as Professor and Coordinator of Music Education, and Associate Director of the School of Music & Dance at San Diego State University. As a specialist in instrumental music education, she teaches courses focusing on K-12 teaching strategies, rehearsal techniques, lesson planning, assessment, and curriculum. Dr. Koner holds degrees from the University of Maryland and the University of Arizona. Her research interests encompass topics related to music teacher education with a specific lens of mental health, stress management, and mindfulness techniques of music educators and students. She has presented her research and work internationally and nationally through music education professional conferences in Glasgow, Helsinki, Tel Aviv, and throughout the United States. Dr. Koner’s research can be found in journals such as the Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, Journal of Research in Music Education, and International Journal of Music Education.
Abigayle Gerdes
San Diego State University
Abigayle Gerdes serves as an instrumental conductor and music education instructor at San Diego State University as well as a band director at the middle and high school level. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and a Master of Music degree in Conducting from San Diego State University (SDSU). As a concert band director, both at the high school and university level, Abbie’s students perform works by living, BIPOC, and underrepresented composers as well as give premiere performances of commissioned works. As a music educator, her students have participated in research studies focused on the effects of mindfulness routines in band rehearsals, the results of which have been published in Update: Applications of Research in Music Education and Contributions to Music Education. Off the podium Abbie can be found spending time with her husband Michael, daughter Cici, and doodle Wally.