Several studies have been done on the effect of school music instruction on the self-concept of students, as well as on student perceptions of school music experiences, but few researchers have undertaken an in-depth inquiry of individual students to attempt to understand their possibly unique perceptions of school music. This case study used qualitative research methodology to understand the student in the context of band class. Qualitative methods include interviewing strategies that are often conversational in tone, observations that include the researcher taking part in the experience (called "participant observation"), and analysis of documents and other materials that help the researcher get at the "whole story." The purpose of this study was to look closely at one student's experience and perspective in a middle school band program in an attempt to see the program from the student's point of view. (Contains 6 notes.)