Browsing by Author "Fenton, Kevin A."
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- A cross-sectional study of preference for music using recorded acoustic timbre versus music using sound sampled timbreChang, E. Christina (Virginia Tech, 1996-04-23)The purpose of this study was to determine if a preference exists for recorded acoustic music or music using sound sampled timbre, and if that preference is influenced by age or gender. Participants were divided into two groups, 10 to 15 year olds (n=97), and 50-91 year olds (n=99). Each participant listened to a CD which presented 17 pairs of excerpts from classical music. Each pair contained both a recorded acoustic and sound sampled example of the following timbres: trumpet, flute, trombone, oboe, and tuba. A survey form was used to record the participants’ preferences. Results indicated that preference exists for both music using recorded acoustic timbre and music using sound sampled timbre, with youths preferring recorded acoustic and adults preferring sound sampled. A 2x2 factorial design disclosed that there was a significant difference between the age groups. Gender demonstrated no significant effect nor was there significant interaction between age and gender. Conclusions pointed to the influence of music heard in the public school environment. With increased availability and exposure to sound sampling, consumption of music using this timbre will increase. Music educators need to recognize that the presentation of timbre used in the classroom may reinforce preferences for acoustic music.
- The effect of instrumental timbre preference and instrumental timbre on the pitch error detection skills of university conducting studentsLocy, Raymond S. (Virginia Tech, 1996-06-05)The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of instrumental timbre preference and instrumental timbre on the error detection skills of undergraduate conducting students. The study sought to answer two specific questions: Is timbre preference, as determined by Gordon's (1984) Instrumental Timbre Preference Test (ITPT), a factor in the ability of undergraduate conducting students to detect errors in pitch in short melodies while viewing the score? Is the ability of undergraduate conducting students to detect pitch errors in melodic passages influenced by the instrumental timbres of the band ensemble? To answer these two questions, Gordon's ITPT and the researcher developed Test of Timbre Effect (TTE) were administered to 147 undergraduate conducting students in 11 colleges and universities in Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The TTE was designed to consist of seven different subtests, each intended to be administered to a different sample of homogeneous undergraduate conducting students. Each subtest consisted of 14 randomized test items, including two melodies designated as "target melodies" that differed only in timbre across the subtests. The effect of timbre preference, timbre, and the interaction of the two independent variables was determined by a 2 x 7 analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) of each target melody. Further analysis was conducted using a two-way multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results indicated that timbre preference, timbre, and the interaction of timbre preference and timbre did not have an effect on the ability of undergraduate conducting students to detect pitch errors in short melodic passages.
- The effect of left-hand training on piano performanceHumphries, Carl (Virginia Tech, 1996-04-24)The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of left-hand training on piano performance among college students with no piano background. A pilot study and an expanded study were conducted over a two year period. Volunteers for each study were randomly assigned to either a control group or a treatment group. The control group was instructed in the traditional manner, using simple melodies in the right hand and chordal figures in the left hand. The treatment group, however, was instructed using simple melodies in the left hand and chordal figures in the right hand. At the end of the training period, a posttest was given. The areas tested included "Pitch Accuracy in the Left Hand," "Pitch Accuracy in the Right Hand," "Rhythmic Accuracy in the Left Hand," "Rhythmic Accuracy in the Right Hand," and "Overall Technical Proficiency." The results of both studies consistently showed significantly improved playing skills in the treatment group. Future experimental research was recommended. This should include an extended training period, larger sample size, different age groups, different socioeconomic backgrounds, and different preferred hands.
- The History of the Eastern Mennonite High School Touring Choir: 1917-1981Basham, Dwight Cornell (Virginia Tech, 1999-08-02)For more than 35 years, the Eastern Mennonite High School Touring Choir has provided concerts for choral enthusiasts throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. The present study documents the development, establishment, and growth of Touring Choir from its inception, through June of 1981: identifying (1) the events leading to the development of Touring Choir; (2) the philosophy and purpose of Touring Choir; (3) the directors of Touring Choir and their musical and professional backgrounds; (4) the contributions of each of the directors; and (5) the origin and development of the Senior Parent Weekend Concert, Tour Concert, Mennonite High School Music Festival, and Commencement Concert traditions. The study reports that the history of the Eastern Mennonite High School Touring Choir can be traced to the expressed desire of the school's founders in 1917 that vocal music be an integral part in the education of its students in order to enhance worship and singing in constituent churches. As touring choirs developed, the unique organization of Eastern Mennonite College and High School provided a basis for emulation by the high school when it became a separate organization during the 1960s, culminating in the establishing of Touring Choir in association with the Mennonite High School Music Festival. Marvin Miller's leadership as Touring Choir director established the Senior Parent Weekend Concert, Tour Concert, Mennonite High School Music Festival, and Commencement Concert traditions which became the foundation of Touring Choir's activities during the 1960s and early 1980s. Implications of the study consider the importance of modeling for music education practitioners. The growth of the Eastern Mennonite High School music department and the success of the Eastern Mennonite High School Touring Choir during the combined tenures of Annetta Wenger Miller and Marvin L. Miller were characterized by an enthusiasm for the subject matter of music, high expectations and motivation of students by challenging them to sing music of enduring value in a variety of styles by master composers, placing responsibility for learning on students, a positive approach in teaching, care and concern for students as individuals, and an emphasis on the expressive aspect of music study. In addition, the results of the music program under Marvin Miller's direction may have been due in part to his overall philosophy of music curriculum design that each student would understand the place of music in his or her life experience.