Description: This poster offers an analysis of research methods employed in epidemiological studies to create a similar study for the University of North Texas (UNT) marching band. The preliminary goals will be accomplished by finding, analyzing and eventually selecting assessment materials and procedures from published research studies of injury rates of analogous occupation-specific groups, such as dancers or athletes.

Description: This poster discusses research on developing musical literacy in children. Musical education is important to the full development of a knowledgeable human being. However, the problem occurs in the beginning stages of child development because we are unable to take advantage of the ideal time for learning because the child is not fully developed to sing. This causes a lack of vocal and aural development skills necessary for a skilled musician. A curriculum of instruction is needed to help these young children reach their fullest potential in all facets of music literacy: aural, vocal, and rhythmic.

Description: This paper discusses research on an epidemiologic survey of college student-musicians participating in marching band. Abstract: Recently named the "Best Damn Band in the Land" by the Bleacher Report, the University of North Texas Green Brigade is one of the most celebrated collegiate marching bands in the country. In addition to performing at the home football games each Saturday, college student-musicians in the Green Brigade rehearsal over the summer and for 6 hours a week during the fall semester. For many, these demands are in addition to those associated with majoring in music. The purpose of this epidemiologic study is to characterize health related outcomes associated with participating in a collegiate marching band. A 70 item epidemiologic survey was designed to assess several areas of concern including musculoskeletal and mental health areas. Following IRB approved protocol, 82% of the Green Brigade Marching band (N=246/300) consented to participate in and successfully filled out the survey at the end of the 2011 fall season. Results reveal many interesting patterns and consequences associated with participating in a collegiate marching band. This paper will show demographic variables, patterns of physical and mental health problems, and responses to attitudinal questions regarding perceived value and impact ...

Description: This article discusses liminality as thought and action. Abstract: Turner's (1974) conception of liminal space provides an entry point to look beyond the given and to create opportunities to examine, critique, and challenge the assumptions inherent in many music programs. Building upon his theory of liminality as a place that is "ambiguous, neither here or there, betwixt and between all fixed points of classification", one might use this framework to create a place in which differing cultures, ideals, and values could meet, potentially generating relationships and community. Urban settings are often the meeting ground for dramatic cultural clashes given that music teachers often fit the typical profile of White, middle class, and female and often have few commonalities with their urban students. In this paper, the author explores the concept of liminality in the context of urban music education programs and examines its importance from the standpoint of both the music teacher and the student. Music teachers who work in urban settings often dwell in liminal situations in which their roles are ambiguous and uncertain. Students in urban school settings might exist outside of their normal musical, social and cultural structures. Thus, urban settings provide a particularly powerful place of ...

Description: This poster discusses research on correlations between parent's education and children's test scores. Parents can have an enormous amount of influence on their children's education. Many factors can change how heavily the influence is and if the effect is positive or negative. Children will typically be dealt with in different ways based on factors out of their control and these will impact their performance and their teachers' performances. For this project, the author would like to explore the correlation between the education of parents and the test scores of their children. The author will do that by analyzing data that has already been amassed by the College Board through their standardized tests and the questionnaires that come along with them.