Contributions to Music Education - Vol. 44 - Undergraduates’ Remembered Benefits and Motives for Participating in Honor Ensembles

Oct 15, 2026

Study examines collegiate musicians’ remembered benefits and motives for participating in honor ensembles, addressing limited research beyond the event itself. With 86 undergraduate and graduate participants from multiple university ensembles, findings show musical reasons dominate both top motivations and the most remembered benefits. Nearly half of open-response comments about least favorite aspects cite rehearsal time. Results suggest educators can improve recruitment by emphasizing musical value and fun, while acknowledging motivations and perceived benefits vary by context.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages15

Reading Time38 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Purpose and research gap

Role of guest conductors and clinician influence

Student motivation: social, musical, and educational factors

Time and workload considerations

Musical emphasis over social aspects in prior studies

Contributions to Music Education Vol. 44, pp. 81-95. Matthew l. williaMs University of Arizona Kenneth g. goFF University of Arkansas Little Rock Undergraduate Musicians’ Remembered Benefits and Motives for Participating in Honor Ensembles Given the prevalence of honor ensembles (Lien & Humphreys, 2001) and the lack of research investigating these ensembles outside of the event itself, the purpose of this study was to examine collegiate musicians’ remembered benefits and experiences of such honor ensemble experiences . Participants (N = 86) were undergraduate and graduate musicians participating in one of several university ensembles . Four of the top six reasons for participating in an honor ensemble and the top two remembered benefits of participation were musical in nature . Nearly half of all open-response comments about their least favorite aspect of honor ensemble participation addressed the amount of rehearsal time . Results indicated that should music educators wish to promote student participation in such events, they may have the most success by appealing to the musical nature of the events and a general interest in having fun, although follow-up comparisons seemed to indicate that both motivations and perceived benefits may be individual and contextualized . Suggestions for future research are discussed . Keywords: benefits, motives, honor ensembles, musical participation Introduction Throughout the United States, there are many opportunities for students to participate in select peer groups to demonstrate their talent and hard work. Often, music students showcase their abilities by participating in district, region, and all-state honor ensembles. State music organizations frequently encourage students to participate in honor ensembles by touting the prestige of the ensemble experience. The Texas Music Educators Association (2018) states,“All-State is Contributions to Music Education the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. This selection is a most prestigious honor.” With state organizations placing a strong emphasis on honor ensembles, it may be of no surprise that music students desire to be a part of such preeminent events. Many individuals work to create a positive experience for student participants in honor ensembles, but perhaps the most visible role is that of the guest conductor. A guest conductor for an honor ensemble has a large impact on the honor group’s musical growth and experience (Glosser, 2005), and Greenlee (1982) suggested that the ensemble’s guest clinician is a major factor affecting student’s involvement. Clinician concern for the student experience may be indicated by practitioner articles that provide honor ensemble directors with advice to make the experience positive for student musicians, such as that of Freer (2007) . The author offered suggestions to guest conductors regarding their rehearsal approaches, stating “When planning and conducting honor ensembles, focus on creating a rewarding experience for all from start to finish”(p. 30). In the same article, Freer also attempted to guide honor ensemble conductors with rehearsal pacing, music selection, rehearsal planning, and concert day reminders. The suggestions came from experienced conductors, but little research has been done on the perceptions that students may have in regard to their experiences. Further research is needed to provide honor ensemble directors with data reflecting student attitude and perceptions regarding their honor ensemble experience. If offered student feedback, guest conductors may be able to make more prudent choices when they are preparing for their honor ensemble. While the choice of guest conductor may be one motivation for students to join honor ensembles, researchers have worked to explain students’ motivation to participate in honor ensembles in other ways and have investigated the benefits of their involvement. Some students join music ensembles simply for the

FAQs

What is the purpose of the study on honor ensembles?

To examine collegiate musicians’ remembered benefits and experiences of honor ensemble participation, since prior research investigating these ensembles outside the event itself is limited.

How many participants took part, and who were they?

The study involved 86 undergraduate and graduate musicians participating in one of several university ensembles.

What motivations and benefits did participants most often remember?

The top reasons and top remembered benefits were predominantly musical in nature, while nearly half of comments about the least favorite aspect focused on rehearsal time.

What guidance do the results suggest for music educators promoting participation?

They may be most successful by appealing to the musical nature of the events and a general interest in having fun, while recognizing motivations and benefits can be individual and context-dependent.

Oct 15, 2026

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