Page 13 - 2019 BMR April

Recruiting and Retention

Gary Gribble

Instrumental music begins in our ceremonies, or school assemblies. We regular news items related to the high
school system in sixth grade. It seems recently started performing at a local school band via e-mail to all families
that more kids are getting “hooked” on nursing home as a community service with students in middle school band.
multiple activities at earlier ages than event. Maintain a bulletin
ever before. We have summer sports Feeder program There needs to be a board at feeder
and arts camps for kids as young connections strong communication schools with photos
as four years of age. The potential link between all and flyers announcing
Plan several joint
downside for our music program is upcoming events.
events per year, some levels of the music
that the kids become totally dedicated Schedule an
bringing the middle programs in your
to other activities before they get a information meeting
school kids to the high
chance to join a music program. school system. All for all 8th grade
school (they need
Obviously, maintaining a music directors should parents prior to the
to see the facilities),
program that is of the highest quality view themselves as registration deadline
and some taking the
and offers numerous opportunities for for high school
high schoolers to the vital components to
involvement is one key to attracting courses. Meet with
middle schools or the recruiting and
and keeping students. Kids will not incoming families
elementary schools.
develop a long-term relationship with retention of students. in the late Spring
It can be joint
your program if they see few benefits. to discuss marching
concerts, chamber
If they perceive your activity to be too band operations.
ensemble events, or social activities.
time-intensive or too expensive, then Create activities:
Take high school students into middle
you will have a harder time recruiting. A carnival for beginning
school classes for an “open forum”
There needs to be a strong instrumental students can be a great
conversation about the activities and
communication link between all levels way to get them excited about band.
benefits available at the next level.
of the music programs in your school Have a qualified teacher for each
We invite upcoming middle school
system. All directors should view instrument. Set up a series of short
students to join us at a football game
themselves as vital components to the classes to demonstrate instrument
each Fall. They march in with the high
recruiting and retention of students. assembly, posture and hand position,
Consider the following: school band, perform the National producing the first sound, reading basic
Visibility Anthem for the crowd, then join the notation, and instrument care. Keep
marching band in the bleachers to
Perform in as many school and these brief. In between sessions, have
play the stands tunes. We invite our
community events as possible. games and activities. Rent those giant
feeder ensembles to join us on our
Students are constantly exposed to inflatables if you can afford them…
annual “Pops” Concert in the Spring.
sports and popular music/dance, have ice cream or cotton candy….
but seldom see live performances Communicate, communicate, do face painting…and include plenty
by “our type” of ensembles. Perform communicate: of the high school students to assist.

in parades, send chamber groups Send a newsletter to each middle They can demonstrate instruments,
to community events, and work school student several times per coach the games, and guide the
to create joint concerts with feeder year. Include lots of candid photos of younger students through the day.
schools whenever possible. Provide a students having fun in band. Mention Invite middle school students to sit
performing group for school system the opportunities for performance, in with select high school ensembles
events, community recognition travel, and social interaction. Send throughout the year. If there are similar

Bandmasters Review • April 2019 11 Texas Bandmasters Association