WP 123 | 22 The meaning of band making – Bands within the Trentino community

The working paper presents findings from a research study on cultural volunteering and specifically analyzes the nature of bands and their role within the Trentino community. Data were collected in August 2021 with an original questionnaire addressed to all band members of the 86 corps in the Autonomous Province of Trento, with approximately 1,000 responses. The study highlights the initial motivations that make a person approach the band, as well as the characteristics that allow motivations to persist or improve over time. Prominent among the initial motivations are the desire to learn an instrument, sharing a passion for music, and personal growth. Initial energy is renewed in the presence of two conditions. On the one hand, the musicians’ motivations seem to persist or grow if the board listens to their opinions and suggestions, involves them in the organization of events, and to some extent even in the choice of repertoire. On the other hand, however, the band must not be too rigid: that is, it must take into account the musicians’ other commitments without overburdening them too much, and be as flexible as possible in organizing practice.

The outcomes of band playing specifically include the sense of belonging that the musician develops toward his or her band. In addition to this, however, a mixture of factors that refer to both personal identity and the sphere of relationships counts. Regarding ties to the local area, half of the musicians say they participate in the activities of at least one other association.