The Effect of Subdivision Activity on Rhythmic Performance Skills in High School Mixed Choirs

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of subdivision activity on rhythmic performance skills in high school mixed choirs. Three matched choirs (N = 96) were involved in the ten-week project, with one choir receiving subdivision treatments, another imitation treatments, and the third serving as a control group. The pretreatment test, posttest, interview procedure, and musical activity questionnaire were developed by the investigator. The data were analyzed using the three-way ANOVA and Pearson Product-Moment subprograms in the SPSS. The results indicate significant differences (p ≤ .01) in favor of the subdivision approach for performing rhythms accurately, maintaining one' s own pulse, and maintaining a pulse established by an outside visual source. This was generally true at both fast and slow tempi as well as for all ability strata. Students demonstrating a high degree of rhythmic ability often indicated they used analytical subdivision procedures, although they may not have previously received such instruction. Finally, instrumental experience other than keyboard had the strongest relationship with rhythmic skills. The amount of choral experience was not a good predictor of rhythmic competency.

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