Date of Award
1-1-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.M. in Music
First Advisor
Elizabeth Hearn
Second Advisor
Tim W. Oliver
Third Advisor
Rhonda S. Hackworth
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
Women represent a small fraction of leadership within two traditionally male-dominated fields: collegiate band directing and the marching arts (Foley, 2019; Gould, 2001; Rush, 2023). In 2015, approximately 21% of high school band directors were female and 79% were male (Yoder, 2015). Further, the CMS Directory of Music Faculties (2017 – 2018) revealed women held only 11.3 percent of all collegiate band director positions in the United States (Shaker, 2020). In 2023, women accounted for less than 6% of Directors of Athletic Bands for Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)- Division 1, four-year universities (Rush, 2023). Although research has been done regarding the gendered experience of women band directors, this research does not extend to collegiate athletic band directors. This study explored the lived experiences of women collegiate athletic band directors by examining their personal and professional experiences, illuminating any potential challenges experienced in the field and the strategies employed to navigate a landscape often characterized by gender biases. Through a qualitative case study method, four semi-structured interviews were conducted with practicing athletic band directors from Division One (D1) universities to investigate the factors that facilitated or inhibited participants’ success and satisfaction in their roles. The following themes emerged to answer the guiding research questions: the journey to becoming an athletic band director, identity, culture and negotiating identity, the importance of mentorship, gendered expectations within the role, institutional barriers, work-life balance, and how women are moving the needle and redefining representation in the field. Ultimately, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of gender dynamics in athletic band directing and offer insights into fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment in collegiate music education.
Recommended Citation
Rush, Sydney Leigh, "The Feminomenon of Athletic Band Directing: A Multiple Case Study" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3373.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/3373