Improving the Work-Life Balance of the High School Marching Band Director: A Case Study

Although many studies have been conducted on high school marching bands, research has yet to be completed on the impact of the number of after-school marching band rehearsals. High school band directors frequently rehearse after school to raise student proficiency and perform at a high level for football games, community events, and marching band competitions. Directors who demonstrate high rehearsal efficacy can reduce the number of marching band practices to avoid negatively impacting the lives of the adults and students involved while maintaining student achievement. This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological case study investigated the effects of reducing the frequency of secondary after-school practices by comparing band scores from a year the band rehearsed four days a week to a year in which they only rehearsed two days a week. The outcome demonstrated no significant change in competitive marching band scores due to increased rehearsal efficiency. Other outcomes included opportunities for additional student academic tutoring and a healthier work-life balance. This research provided evidence to support secondary band directors’ attempts to rehearse more effectively and prevent the marching band responsibilities from overtaking the other aspects of the participants’ lives. Such a change can lessen band director burnout and prevent resignations. This study can encourage further research in high school band director self-care and sustainable work-life balance while maintaining a successful band program.