Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • June 2015
8
you TOO can become a great basketball player, golfer,
whatever.” When the young ones witness their peers
(of just a few years older) ENJOYING themselves in
a performance, there is little more persuading to do.
Let’s not just TALK about the benefits
of being in a musical organization, but
let’s allow the students to EXPERIENCE
all the positive values by involving
them in a specially designed LIVE
PERFORMANCE. Including the “to be”
musicians in some fashion will insure
their desire to join the group. For
retention effectiveness, those students
you invite to “be the musical recruiters”
will become the future loyal leaders of the organization.
We all want to feel a sense of WANT and NEED and you
have provided this forum for them.
“Communication; a three-step process.”
Step #1 -
let the students you plan to recruit KNOW how much
you and the other members of the group want them to
join. Step #2 - do an extended and personalized follow-
up immediately after the recruiting effort. Step #3 - do
a second follow-up a week later with another invitation
to become part of the music-family.
We are all good at the first step of these three
communication components, but momentum is often
lost on Step #2 and Step #3. In the sales
world it is known as “THE ASK.” We
must ASK and RE-ASK. Many students
are lost because we do not ASK them
(and their parents) to become involved
in the program.
If we could focus on one vital aspect
of recruitment and retention success, it
would be COMMUNICATION. Those
who emphasize the importance of
PERSONALIZED communication are certain to enjoy a
healthy harvest of new musicians as well as a dedicated
group of students who will stay the course and serve
as the key leaders for the continued growth and
development of the program...and, above all, it helps
keep the lid OFF with each filling of the salt shaker!
“Strike Up the Band!”
Tim Lautzenheiser is a trusted friend to anyone interested in working with young people in developing a desire for excellence and a passion
for high level achievement. His career involves ten years of successful college band directing at Northern Michigan University, the University
of Missouri, and New Mexico State University. Following his tenure at the university level, he spent three years with McCormick’s Enterprises
working as Executive Director of Bands of America. In 1981, Tim created Attitude Concepts for Today, Inc., an organization designed to
manage the many requests for workshops, seminars, and convention speaking engagements focusing on the area of positive attitude and
effective leadership training. Over two million students have experienced his acclaimed student leadership workshops over the last three
decades. He presently serves as Vice President of Education for Conn-Selmer, Inc. In addition, he continues his rigorous travel schedule touting
the importance of arts education for every child.
His books, produced by G.I.A. Publications, Inc., continue to be bestsellers in the educational world. He is also co-author of popular band
method
Essential Elements
and is the Senior Educational Consultant for Hal Leonard, Inc. Tim is the Senior Educational Advisor for Music
for All and NAMM (The International Music Products Association).
Tim holds degrees from Ball State University and the University of Alabama. In 1995 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from
the VanderCook College of Music. He is presently an adjunct faculty member at Ball State University (Earl Dunn Distinguished Lecturer),
Indiana-Purdue/Ft. Wayne University, and Butler University. In addition, he serves on The Midwest Clinic Board of Directors and the Western
International Band Clinic/American Band College Board of Directors.
Hear more from
Dr. Tim on
Thursday, July 24,
at 2:15 PM.
His presentation will
inspire you!
Sponsored by
Conn-Selmer, Inc.
It’s Difficult to Fill a Salt Shaker With the Lid On !
