Recruitment and Minority Participation in Middlesex County, NJ 4-12 Band Programs

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate recruitment strategies currently in place by band teachers for their band programs and their effects on minority student participation in 4-12th grade public school band programs of Middlesex County. Participants include grades 4-12 band teachers in Middlesex County, NJ. Via online survey, participants responded to questions about current demographics in their band programs, current recruitment strategies, and perceived effects of those strategies on minority student participation. After receiving survey responses, the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics for emergent themes. The results found that of the 3,818 students accounted for, 26% were White, 7% were Black, 49% were Asian, 8% were Hispanic, and 10% were an unspecified minority. On average, elementary school teachers used 6.93 of the given strategies, middle school teachers used 6.65 of the given strategies, and high school teachers used 5.4 of the given strategies. Many participants found their band programs reflected the demographics of the community. Other participants felt financial burdens put on the family and lack of cultural representation in music and teaching staff leads students not to join their school’s band program.