11/14/22, 12:47 PM
High School Music Retention | Carman Dragone | Music & Business
a Retention Practices for High School Music Programs by carmandragone | Nov 14, 2022 | Carman Dragone, music, teaching
High school students have many options when it comes to choosing an extracurricular activity. For band directors who want to identify and recruit talented musicians, there are a few steps almost anyone can take to achieve the best results possible. Be Proactive Communication is key when expressing the possibility of joining a high school band. This likely includes reaching out to middle schools in the same district to nd out which students already have an interest in playing an instrument upon reaching the higher grades. Many band directors set a date each year when students can apply and perform. Coordinating this date with the deadline for selecting high school courses will keep the band at the front of students’ minds upon making their decisions. Be Open and Honest High school bands frequently perform during the recruitment period, which gives prospective members an idea of what they can expect if they choose to join. After these performances, a band director and other leaders should open up the oor for questions. During this period, it is important to stress the bene ts of being a part of the ensemble while also o ering important details regarding what students can expect. carmandragone.net/retention-practices-for-high-school-music-programs/
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