An analysis of preferred middle school tenor-bass literature performed in Texas University Interscholastic League Choral Contest

The purpose of this study was to provide a critical investigation of trends in literature selection for Tenor-Bass choruses over a five-year period at Texas University Interscholastic League Middle School Choral Concert Contest and to supply a pedagogical analysis of the most frequently performed repertoire selections. Results indicated that the Tenor-Bass choruses (N=287) that entered UIL competition between 2007 and 2011 tended to perform similar repertoire, often by Texas composers, from year to year. Additionally, directors tended to choose literature that was limited in vocal range, easy to moderately easy in both melodic and rhythmic patterns, repetitive, accompanied, and written in major keys.