University Marching Band Retention Impact in Establishing Black Males’ Sense of Belonging
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate how participation in a university marching band influences black male students' sense of belonging. Sense of belonging refers to students' perceived feelings of support, connection, and importance within their campus community. For this study, sense of belonging was measured by levels of peer support, faculty support, classroom comfort, and isolation. Framed on Tinto’s Model of Student Involvement and Student Departure (1975, 1993), this mixed-methods study explored the influence of involvement in a university marching band black male band members’ sense of belonging at one HBCU. Through an online survey and a focus group session, participants described their marching band experiences and perceptions of how the band program influenced their feelings of connection and mattering on campus. By gaining insight into the potential relationship between marching band participation and sense of belonging, this research sought to inform strategies aimed at enhancing retention of black male students. Among the major findings of the study: (a) HBCU marching bands are about tradition and community-building; (b) HBCU marching bands promote student leadership development; and, (c) the longer the HBCU student participates in the marching band, the higher his sense of peer support and faculty support) and lower sense of isolation. Results may guide marching band and student affairs administrators in optimizing extracurricular opportunities to strengthen underrepresented students' attachments and integration at their institutions through a heightened sense of belonging. Overall, the purpose is to add knowledge regarding ways structured involvement can boost retention.
Subject Area
Educational leadership|African American Studies|Music education|Educational psychology|Black studies
Recommended Citation
Grant L Winrow,
"University Marching Band Retention Impact in Establishing Black Males’ Sense of Belonging"
(2024).
ETD Collection for Tennessee State University.
Paper AAI31140909.
https://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI31140909