Date of Award
5-10-2026
Date Published
June 2026
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Music (MMUS)
Department
Setnor School of Music
Advisor(s)
Bradley Ethington
Keywords
Cross-curricular Learning;Interdisciplinary Learning;Music Pedagogy;Repertoire;Social Studies
Subject Categories
Arts and Humanities | Music | Music Education
Abstract
Interdisciplinary learning is an educational theory approach that emphasizes the importance of incorporating content from different subject areas into the teaching of one’s own topic of study. Research has presented that the use of interdisciplinary teaching practices can have several benefits on students' learning outcomes and overall academic success. Music has deep and rich historical roots that can provide students a more hands-on experience with the concepts and events they are learning in their history classes. The use of interdisciplinary practices through specific repertoire selections will not only provide students with a deeper, more meaningful experience with the music they perform, but also enrich their learning in other areas of study. This thesis explores how interdisciplinary practices can be incorporated into a high school band setting by using social studies curriculum to inform repertoire choices. The focus of this research was specific to the New York State Social Studies Framework for grades 11 and 12. This thesis will review a wide range of historical events starting in 1800 and ending with modern day, as well as social concepts such as civil duties and advocacy work, that are covered in New York State’s social studies standards. Understanding the time period surrounding the selected standard will provide context for the corresponding repertoire choices that serve as potential tools to incorporate interdisciplinary techniques into the band curriculum. Each repertoire selection is followed by biographical information about the composer and an explanation of the history and background of the work, exploring its correspondence to the New York State social studies standard.
Access
Open Access
Recommended Citation
Brouse, Ainsley L., "Interdisciplinary Practices in the Band Room: Repertoire as a Tool to Enrich Student Learning" (2026). Theses - ALL. 1012.
https://surface.syr.edu/thesis/1012
