1. To have true success at contests, festivals, and concerts do not wait to the end of the learning process to work with clinicians. Directors often wait until their group has learned all the notes and rhythms before bringing clinicians into their rehearsals. Final touches can be helpful; however, more will be learned when students and directors are still malleable in their ideas and approach to a piece. A list of things to work on and develop will not be put into action if the performance is occurring in the near future. Be brave, be open to learning, and share in the clinicians knowledge while there's still time to adapt.
2. Relationships are such an important part of everything we do as music educators, and nurturing them can be a key for personal and professional growth. If you have time, offer to travel to an assessment or contest performance with a younger or less-experienced teacher. Your support will show that you care and can help forge meaningful relationships between you both — as people and between your programs.
3. Arrange for a classroom teacher appreciation day. Solicit help from parents and have coffee, juice, donuts, yogurt, fresh fruit, and other snacks waiting for the teachers when they arrive to school one day. Do not announce it in advance — make it surprise. Create some banners that are signed by all your music students thanking the teachers for supporting their participation. A small token of appreciation will go a long way to create a feeling of esprit de corps at your school.
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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.