Convincing today’s students to add band to their already packed schedules is a challenge. MENC member Gary Gribble continues his tips for recruiting and retaining band students at every level:

• Create activities - A carnival for beginning instrumental students can be a great way to get them excited about band. Have a qualified teacher for each instrument set up a series of short classes to demonstrate instrument assembly, posture and hand position, producing the first sound, reading basic notation, and instrument care. Keep these brief. In between sessions, have games and activities. Rent those giant inflatables if you can afford them, have ice cream or cotton candy, do face painting, and include plenty of the high school students to assist. They can demonstrate instruments, coach the games, and guide the younger students through the day.

• Dress for success - Band kids need to have spirit wear just like the kids in all the other school activities. Create a special t-shirt for your activities, have spirit wear for sale through the band booster club or school spirit store. Get the band advertised early and often. Don’t forget to give your administrators a band shirt to wear to those “special occasions.”

• Balance work and play - Make sure there are regularly scheduled social activities for all students. Try video game night, trivia contests, pizza/ice cream parties, swim parties, or movie nights. The students need to develop a sense of family along with their musical skills. If band is a fun place to be, word will spread quickly.

• Keep up with current popular technology - Use Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc. as a communication opportunity. Send out band-related information using the resources that the kids understand and embrace while remembering to maintain a professional and ethical boundary between teacher and students. Questions about social media? Ask your colleagues.

• Meet your future - Make sure that the directors from all levels attend performances and visit the classrooms whenever possible. Putting a face and/or personality with the director’s name can ease the transition as students progress into the advanced levels.
  
  Getting Them and Keeping Them, Part 1
  Getting Them and Keeping Them, Part 3
  
  Gary D. Gribble has been the Director of Bands at Pope High School in Cobb County, Georgia since its opening in 1987. Under his guidance, the Pope Band Program has earned a national reputation for excellence in all areas of performance.
  
  --Becky Spray, October 7, 2009 ©MENC: The National Association for Music Education