This issue of the More to Start, Fewer to Quit (MSFQ) tips comes from Edward F. Protzman, director of bands and an assistant professor of music education at Portland State University in Portland, OR.
RECRUITMENT TIPS
Recruitment is a year-round activity. Although the marching band season is busy, it can also be an excellent time for targeted recruitment activities. During this busy time of the year, the trick is to keep things simple and use events you already have scheduled. Marching season recruitment events can include:
Sending smaller groups of students to play pep tunes one day a week outside in bus pickup areas for middle and elementary schools.
Inviting middle school students to play in the stands with the high school marching band.
Having pep bands play outside buildings as parents arrive for back-to-school nights and parent-teacher conferences.
RETENTION TIPS
Marching band season, although rewarding, can wear on student excitement and energy levels. You can find small ways to give students time to recover their passion and energy for the activity. Some possible physical and mental recharge ideas could include:
Giving students a day off from practice after a long weekend of football games and competitions.
Including surprise ice pop or sports drink breaks during hot or long rehearsals.
Inviting special guests, such as a principal, superintendent, or football coach, to speak to the group during rehearsals to reinforce the group's value to the school.
GENERAL SUCCESS TIP
The school year goes by so quickly that moments of director learning and insight often get lost in the shuffle. To avoid losing learning and program knowledge, create a "Future" document or spreadsheet. In this file, you have a place to note successes and items that do not go well and thoughts on how to improve them in the future. This document could list rehearsal ideas, event logistics, and budgeting and planning successes/failures. Read through what you have listed throughout the semester and again before starting the next school year. Decide what to keep and what to do differently in the future.
Thanks,
Edward F. Protzman
Edward F. Protzman is the director of bands and an assistant professor of music education at Portland State University in Portland, OR.
Schedule for Upcoming Music Achievement Council Sessions:
Date: October 8, 2024
Time: TBA
Session: 5 S.M.A.R.T. Ideas to Retain This Year’s Beginners: A Primer for Middle and High School Directors
Location: Marina Village Conference Center
1936 Quivira Way
San Diego, CA 92109
Date: October 14, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM
Session: 5 S.M.A.R.T. Ideas to Retain This Year’s Beginners: A Primer for Middle and High School Directors
Location: Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit
90 Lawton Lane
Milton, PA 17847
Date: October 24
Time: 8:00 AM
Session: 5 S.M.A.R.T. Ideas to Retain This Year’s Beginners: A Primer for Middle and High School Directors
Location: Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, Room E/H
1 John Nolen Dr
Madison, WI 53703
Date: January 15-19 (Exact date and time still TBA)
Time: TBA
Session: 5 S.M.A.R.T. Ideas to Retain This Year’s Beginners: A Primer for Middle and High School Directors
Location: SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
Sacramento, CA
Session Details: TBD
Session Details: TBD
Date: February 13-15, 2025 (Exact date and time TBA)
Time: TBA
Session: Bridging the Gap Between Middle School and High School
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404
