Cross-Validation and Application of a Scale Assessing School Band Performance

Abstract

This is the sixth and culminating study in a series whose purpose has been to acquire a conceptual understanding of school band performance and to develop an assessment based on this understanding. With the present study, we cross-validated and applied a rating scale for school band performance. In the cross-validation phase, college students rated recordings of two high school concert band performances using a scale developed for mid-level band performance. The result was a 25-item School Band Performance Rating Scale (SBPRS) for use at middle and high school levels. Consistent with previous research, the scale was unidimensional, containing one strong second-order factor and three distinct primary-order factors: Rhythm–Technique, Tone Quality–Intonation, and Expressiveness–Musicianship. The scale demonstrated good internal consistency. In a field test, adjudicators used an online version of the SBPRS to assess school band performances. The online form allowed adjudicators to view other adjudicators’ ratings in real time. Good interrater agreement resulted. In another field test, judges used a nonlive version of the SBPRS, and lower interrater agreement resulted. The SBPRS reflects the conceptual structure of school band performance and can be applied advantageously to serve adjudicators and school band ensembles.