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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to discover the self-reported reasons for involvement in after-school, extracurricular music and athletic activities of high school students. One hundred-sixty high school students participating in either extracurricular athletic or musical activities served as subjects. Extracurricular activities were defined as un-graded activities offered beyond the regular school day. An open-ended, free response questionnaire was used to determine what personal factors students felt contributed most to their reasons for choosing to participate in extracurricular activities. Questionnaires were analyzed for similarities and differences and responses were coded and categorized. Four distinct categories of subject responses emerged from the analyses: Social/Integrative, Kinesthetic, Self-Esteem, and Self-Efficacy. Athlete and musician participants shared similar reasons for participating in extracurricular activities. Both groups articulated satisfaction in sharing their athletic or musical activity with others; a need for physical expression/release through musical or athletic movement; positive feelings of self-worth as a result of participation; and a sense of self-confidence in their ability to participate successfully in athletic and musical endeavors. Conclusions and implications for future study are discussed.

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