A STUDY ON THE EDUCATIONAL PERSPECTIVE OF POPULAR MUSIC BANDS IN KENYA: THE CASE OF MASENO UNIVERSITY BAND

Abstract

Majority of the music audience both within and without the academic circles in Kenya have perceived the function of popular music bands to be entertainment. This paper however takes a departure from this notion and explores other functions that the bands serve, beyond entertainment. Therefore, the study explored and brought to the fore the educational function that such bands also give to the society. With a focus on Maseno University Music band, the authors objectively sought to establish the teaching and training process, the performance styles, genres employed in music band instruction, the leadership organization and management of the band. Data collection methods and tools included interviews, participant and non-participant observation and tape recorder. The study population which comprised band practitioners, trainers and instructors was obtained through purposive and snowballing technique. Qualitative data obtained was organized in topics of discussion and presented in prose. It is hoped that the findings of this study shall augment the pool of existing knowledge of popular music locally and internationally.