1. Schedule your First Performance National Day of Celebration Demonstration Concert right away so that your beginners can experience the joy of playing in an ensemble in the first 6-7 weeks of school. The First Performance National Day of Celebration Toolkit has all of the materials needed for a successful 25-minute program that advances the students from “beginner” to “band / orchestra member,” etc. It even has a script that can be read by the principal. Downloadable certificates are also available to present to each participant.
2. One of the best ways to retain your students is to give them opportunities for public performance. Students could perform the school song, fight song, and other pep tunes at school events. Include band, choir, and orchestra students to build your musical community.
If you haven't yet, consider scheduling a First Performance National Day of Celebration Demonstration Concert for your beginners. Provided by the Music Achievement Council, the The First Performance National Day of Celebration Toolkit has all of the materials needed for a successful 25-minute program.
3. Prioritize letting your students know that you care about them not only as musicians, but as people. There are many little ways to additively accomplish this goal, but it is essential to accomplish because, as President Theodore Roosevelt said, “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” You could greet students as they enter your room with a smile or a high five. You could ask them questions about what they like to do, watch, or listen to in their free time. You can speak to them like you would want to be spoken to, without exception. You could not require a practice entry on the day of a huge school event that they all will participate in. You could know when they have testing or homecoming activities and limit the amount of after school commitments that week. You could ask them how they are doing and listen intently as they answer.
Commit to demonstrating care in your ensemble classroom. This is a low-risk, high-benefit activity that often goes overlooked when performances come fast and furiously in the fall. Not only will it help to improve the communication and understanding between you and individual students but it will help to build a kind and supportive community atmosphere within your program.
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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.