The Impact of College Students' Marching Band Participation on Academic Achievement at Predominantly Black Universities

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) provide access to education for many African Americans across the United States. These institutions offer a unique perspective on higher education in multiple disciplines, none more famous than music performance. The marching band, in particular, stands as a sense of pride for these institutions and allows students the opportunity to develop themselves as musicians while pursuing opportunities in higher education. This mixed methods action research study explores the successful strategies employed by college students at Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) to balance their time between marching band and academics. The study identified several themes related to effective time management and study practices students use to excel in both areas. Students prioritized study time to master all academic classes and adopted different study modes to maximize their time use. They also organized their time effectively to balance their study and practice routines. The themes related to practice highlighted the importance of reflective practice, group study, and independent practice styles, all of which enabled these exceptional college musicians to succeed in both music performance and academic study. Overall, this study sheds light on the positive impact of HBCUs and PBIs in educating diverse communities and promoting academic and musical excellence. By showcasing the successful strategies employed by college students, this study offers valuable insights into balancing multiple priorities and achieving success in different fields.