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This issue of the More to Start, Fewer to Quit (MSFQ) tips comes from Edward F. Read through what you have listed throughout the semester and again before starting the next school year

This month's MSFQ tips come from David F. Eccles, Orchestra Program and Upper School Director, The Lovett School in Atlanta, Georgia. RECRUITMENT TIPS Orchestra Signing Day In this season of sports and academic committing events, create your own Orchestra Signing Day for incoming students. A quick visit to spring rehearsals with cool welcome certificates, welcome letters from student orchestra leadership, and some orchestra swag will show future students that they are entering a dynamic and welcoming organization. RETENTION TIPS Vision Box Begin by having your students write a reflection on the things that they've accomplished this year. The reflections don't have to be in full sentences they could be a simple bulleted list or marked list. On another card or sheet of paper, have them write stream-of-consciousness notes to themselves about their technical, social, or leadership goals for orchestra next year. Next, have them put this written reflection in the Vision Box. Create a ritual of storing those goals away over the summer in a safe place so that they can be ready to be read by the students when they return in the fall. SUCCESS TIPS If you’re like me, your music library can be the bane of your existence. Make sure your music library is clean and organized to begin the next year. Students are hungry for community service hours this time of year. Consider offering those students in your program the opportunity to earn community service time by helping you organize the music library. Wishing you and your students all the best! David F. Eccles (he/him/his) The Lovett School Upper School Orchestra Director Orchestra Program Director

This issue of the More to Start, Fewer to Quit (MSFQ) tips comes from Marcia Neel, senior director of Parents are more likely to encourage their students to continue if they already know the music teacher It has been found that those students who are more actively engaged in retention efforts themselves tend

This issue of the More to Start, Fewer to Quit (MSFQ) tips comes from Dr. Charles T. RECRUITMENT TIPS Prior to the start of the school year, finalize your preparations for recruiting.

This issue of the More to Start, Fewer to Quit (MSFQ) tips comes from Dr. important information about instrument testing, instrument rental, and other needed supplies for the start If your recruiting will take place after the school year begins, plan to bring along more experienced You could also have your more experienced students play a fun, ensemble piece together or the school To get started, determine which events on your approved calendar might warrant good publicity and share

If you need more violas, make sure you get them to pose with a viola or two! If you haven’t already, create a social media page and start posting pictures and videos from this past The more that students love what they play, the more they will want to KEEP playing! Amp up your pacing so that no student is bored or unengaged. Limit announcements to 2 minutes max. Create a handout that asks students to complete 5 sentence stems that start with, “Music makes the difference

These are your school’s musical all-stars.

There are lots of big and small ways to get your students more involved in your rehearsals, and the impact older students to coach younger, less-experienced students and nurture peer mentor relationships The more students are vested in your program and culture, the more they'll get out of their music experience.

Be sure to start your recruiting process now. When students move from elementary to middle school or middle school to high school, many new forces Final touches can be helpful; however, more will be learned when students and directors are still malleable

Some of my most dedicated players were the ones who started late. RETENTION TIPS More Than Just Keeping Count I keep a “Feel Good File.” More concerts, more notes handed out, and a tradition was created. One sophomore nearly quit but stayed after a heartfelt note on their program. Selfishly, though, the notes were getting more cumbersome to write.

for the feeder schools or having this year’s beginners making recruitment posters, it’s time to get started SUCCESS TIPS November is a good time to start making up your holiday gift list.

This month's MSFQ tips come from Dr. Charles T. Menghini, President Emeritus, VanderCook College of Music, and Co-Author of Essential Elements Band Method. RECRUITMENT TIPS Now that recruitment season is over, take a few minutes to reflect on your recruitment efforts. Make a list of the actions that had the greatest impact and a list of things you could do to improve next year’s recruitment process. You may also want to consult with your administrator to see if they received any feedback from parents, students, classroom teachers, or staff. Finally, spend some time with your local music dealer or school representative to review this year’s recruitment efforts. RETENTION TIPS Develop a list of all your music students, and include student name, parent / guardian name(s), instrument, email, and phone number. Send an email or make a quick phone call to their parent(s) / guardian(s) to (re)introduce yourself and let them know how pleased you are to have their child in your class. Try to point out one “bright spot” for every student: hard worker, energetic, intelligent, pays attention, works well with other students, has really caught on to playing, or is showing great improvement. Communicating early and often with the families of your students keeps them involved and interested, resulting in their child continuing to participate in your program. SUCCESS TIPS 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. Wishing you and your students a wonderful fall season! Dr. Charles T. Menghini President Emeritus, VanderCook College of Music, Chicago, IL Co-Author, Essential Elements Band Method, Hal Leonard LLC Educational Member, Music Achievement Council, NAMM Host, Band Talk with Charlie Menghini and Friends