Action Research in Application - Week 1

The action research process is actually something that we use with the band program at Cypress Falls with quite regularity. With the competitive nature of marching band, we are constantly making changes in what we do. While I never thought much about what we do and what it is called, I chuckled as I read the Dana text because it is very similar to the process we have in place for identifying needs for improvement. As a band staff, we started using action research four years ago when we had a particularly disappointing season from competitive standpoint. We analyzed trends in the activity, spoke with countless experts in the field, watched numerous videos of groups that beat us and really took time to compile data relating to design of marching shows. Through this process, the team of directors really grew professionally and the band program made a very strong push competitively speaking. This process was so enlightening and enjoyable that we have continued to utilize action research in designing our shows each year. We have know branched out and have began using this with our concert ensembles and student leadership team. Since their input is valued as an important stakeholder in the success of the program, they now have a more vested interest in what is going on. They easily share and are very receptive to change and making continual improvements to assist our growth.