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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of wind ensemble seating configurations on college instrumentalists’ ratings of ensemble sound. Members of a university wind ensemble (N = 40) were recorded while performing a 1-minute excerpt of Only Light by Aaron Perrine in one of four ensemble configurations. At the conclusion of the recording session, the performers wrote free-response comments to “In which of the four configurations did you feel the ensemble sounded their best?” and “Why?” Another set of participants, college ensemble members (N = 121), listened to the four audio recordings and rated the ensemble tone quality, ensemble balance, and ensemble blend of each performance. Performers mentioned that ensemble balance and ensemble blend were important factors that influenced their decision as to why the ensemble sounded their best in a particular configuration. An analysis of the composite ratings revealed a significant main effect for ensemble configuration. However, there was a significant ensemble configuration × order interaction signifying that participants’ ratings were influenced by the order in which they heard the excerpts. Our results may suggest that ensemble configurations produce different listening environments for performers and audience members.
Keywords balance, blend, ensemble seating, tone quality, wind ensemble
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