Percussive Practices: Scholastic Programming of Pageantry Indoor Percussion and Concert Percussion Ensembles

This thesis focuses on an evaluation of the spring practices of percussion programs in the greater Indianapolis area. This qualitative research study was designed to study and analyze the differences in programming of pageantry indoor percussion and concert percussion ensembles at the high school level. Specifically, this thesis focuses on the rationale and educational practices behind school percussion programming of either of these two ensemble types. This thesis attempts to answer the primary research question: what musical or educational philosophies guide the reasoning behind determining if a particular school participates in either concert percussion ensemble or pageantry indoor percussion during the spring semester? Key themes that were identified through the research include structural considerations, philosophical groundings, matching student ability with experiences, external stakeholders, and extrinsic justification. These themes are analyzed, and their implications in the scholastic curriculum are discussed.