It Takes a Team: A Case Study on Overcoming Challenges and Cultivating an Excellent Band Program in Urban Education

Abstract

Urban school band programs function in educational contexts characterized by unequal funding, shifting administrative priorities, high rates of teacher turnover, and diverse community needs. While facing these challenges, many urban band programs are nonetheless resilient, growing, and even reaching artistic excellence. It Takes a Team: A Case Study on Overcoming Challenges and Cultivating Excellence in Urban School Band Programs is a qualitative case study which explores the leadership structures, cultural conditions, and teaming practices that can make success possible in urban music education settings. This case study is guided by the following five questions:

What variables are associated with successful band programs in urban school districts?

How do band directors define and measure success?

How do administrators support band programs and how does their level of support impact success?

What are the challenges directors and administrators face and how are they overcome?

How does school culture and leadership impact program achievement?

This study seeks to fill several gaps in the literature that includes studies of school music programing have generalized to or about urban contexts or have focused on barriers without giving adequate attention to factors which can cultivate success. Research has not explored how teaming between band directors and school administrators, the impact of culturally responsive practices, or the sustainability of excellence over time. The current study uses interview, observation, and document analysis methods to show that shared leadership, persistent administrative advocacy, community engagement, intentional school culture-building, and alignment with a student-centered mission are among the factors which contribute to program success. This study's findings have implications for educators, administrators, and policymakers in showing that healthy, high-achieving urban band programs are possible when teamwork, strategic leadership, and a culture of collective purpose are intentionally developed and maintained.