Abstract:
The problem. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the influence of contest ratings on high school student and director attitudes toward the State Large Group Choral Competition in Iowa. Specifically, this sixtdy addresses the relationship between students' and directors' attitudes toward participation in State Contest and the amount and value of time spent in contest preparation. Also addressed is the influence of the Mixed Chorus' rating on student and director attitudes toward the amount and value of time
spent and the worth of participation in State Choral Contest.
Procedure. A questionnaire was sent to all class 4A high school directors and their ten selected choir members who participated in the 1986 Iowa High School Music Association Large Group Contest.
Findings. Results indicated a significant difference in attitude between Superior-and Non-Superior-rated choral students toward the importance of the rating their ensemble received. Directors' attitude indicated no significant difference. A significant difference existed between the Superior and Non-Superior-rated directors' and students' attitudes toward the amount and value of preparation time and the worth of State Choral Contest participation.
Conclusion. Ratings received by Mixed Choruses appear to have an influence on student and director attitudes toward the amount and value of
time spent preparing and participating in the State Large Group Choral Contest. Students and directors who received Superior ratings appeared to have a more positive attitude toward State Contest.
