1. Create an “Honorary Director” and “Honorary Member” certificate for your program. When someone does something special for your program, have a student present them with the certificate. Purchase small (inexpensive) frames to really make it special. This is a great way to recognize the efforts of your principal, a parent who has helped, someone from the community, or anyone you feel has had a significant impact on your program. Be sure to present one or two at every concert and performance. Everyone loves a little recognition and everyone loves to be special, and this little token of appreciation will go a long way to developing positive, long-lasting relationships.
2. November is a good time to start making up your holiday gift list. Take a few moments to think about who in your school has helped make your job a bit easier this year; support staff? counselors? administrators? fellow faculty members? Baked goods make a super gift this time of year and can be easily personalized if ordered ahead of time. Does your supervisor play golf? Order customized-decorated cookies with a golf theme. It may take a bit of homework, but you’ll be surprised to see how the recipient will be touched by the fact that you were thoughtful enough to customize a simple gift in such a meaningful way.
3. What if our concerts were even more special? Traditional performances are great, but what about inviting guest artists? These don’t always have to be professional players. If you teach beginners, invite junior high students to perform. These performers show everyone what is possible in a short time. Last concert of the year? You deserve a break — have the students conduct! For beginning groups, consider a few students conducting pieces one at a time, or, if you have a backing track running, have a small group up front conducting. Older students can conduct pieces without tempo changes.
Finally, in the same vein as guest performances are alumni events. One of my sender teachers performs a signature piece at every December concert. Alums are invited to attend a rehearsal immediately before the concert, and then they are called up during the concert to perform. This is always a hit, and it’s no coincidence that their numbers and performance level are high.
Remember to keep your doors open, let your students have leadership opportunities, take care of those in your charge, and don’t be afraid to break traditions. These strategies can help our programs reach more students, increase their performance levels, and create a much-needed community in our schools.
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These retention tips are written by various authors and are compiled from "More to Start, Fewer to Quit" a recruitment, retention, and success newsletter brought to you by The Music Achievement Council and Instrumental Music Center.