A handbook pertaining to music educators' stress management, physical activity, and nutrition

by Farmer, Sarah M.

Vincent J. Kantorski, Advisor The purpose of this study was to write a handbook pertaining to music educators’ stress management, physical activity, and nutrition. In order to obtain information to include in the handbook, I designed a survey that was completed online by nine inservice ensemble directors. Specifically, among the two male and seven female respondents, three were band directors, three were orchestra directors, and three were choir directors. In each musical area, the director was selected based upon his or her primary level of teaching in either elementary, middle school, or high school, as well as years of teaching experience. The survey had six sections: (a) demographics, (b) stress management, (c) physical activity, (d) nutrition, (e) influences, and (f) general questions. The handbook I wrote, which is based upon the results of the survey, is presented as an Appendix and can be read independently of the thesis. It is divided into seven sections: (a) introduction, which compares the emphasis placed upon physical activity in ancient Greece, as described by Socrates and Plato, with today's physical education requirements in high school and college curriculums; (b) components of the survey; (c) stress management; (d) physical activity; (e) nutrition; (f) general questions; and (g) conclusion. iv This thesis is dedicated to my caring and exceptional music teachers, Marla Weber, Jan Verboom, Dr. Larry Blocher, and Dr. Elaine Bernstof, who inspired me to pursue excellence and continue my studies in music education; to my parents, Tom and Deanna Farmer, whose unending love and confidence have encouraged me through many trials and to fulfill my many aspirations; and to my fiancé, Brian Ashcraft, who never let me give in to resistance. v