Date of Award

7-1-1996

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Music (MMUS)

Department

Music

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the practices of classifying male voices in the small high school mixed choir. All Class C choral directors of Nebraska were surveyed to obtain data concerning male voice classification determinants. Of the eighty-four surveys mailed, sixty-three were returned. The survey included: 1) identification of the classification determinants used by the director, 2) rank ordering the determinants used, and 3) thirteen statements that the director indicated a level of agreement or disagreement. Results indicated that directors used range, tessitura, and timbre as significant determinants of voice classification. The directors also ranked range as the most important determinant. Responses revealed that directors considered classification as a key ingredient for a successful choir and a difficult process due to the transitional nature of the adolescent male voice. Finally, directors believed that the potentially smaller base of male students in the small high school could affect the way a director might classify a voice.

Comments

A Thesis Presented to the Department of Music and the Faculty of the Graduate College University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Music University of Nebraska at Omaha. Copyright 1996 Larry K. Nilius.

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