“Chapter visibility is a must. Determine how to become a visible presence not only in your music department, but also on campus, in schools, and in the community,” says Collegiate advisor Keith Koster. Here are a few suggestions to help jump-start your chapter:

Clean house

Revisit, review, and revise your chapter constitution. A sample constitution is available in the new 2009 Collegiate Handbook. “Building a series of service, fundraising, professional, and social events into your constitution will prepare you for nearly all aspects of your future work as a music educator,” says Koster.

Mark your calendar

Refer to the Collegiate Kit (p. 16) for a list of monthly reminders.

Recruit new members

View 50 great recruiting ideas for helpful tips and suggestions.

Host a social gathering

Plan an informal potluck picnic for all music students, faculty, and staff. Plan activities such as kickball, wiffleball, and Frisbee.

Meet and greet all new music majors

Plan an evening or two to introduce yourselves as members of your Collegiate chapter. Have a small care package or bag for these students that would include a pencil, staff paper, and chapter membership information. New this year … Collegiate specialty items.

Recognize successful students

Present an award to the student who received the highest marks for an outstanding jury, who served the campus community, who assisted with the development of Tri-M chapters in your area, etc. “There is a saying that ‘success breeds success,’ and when we take time to award those music students who are making a difference, more success is sure to follow,” says Koster.

Create a bulletin board

Display pictures of chapter activities, post membership information, and keep an updated calendar of upcoming events visible to all.

Keith Koster is the State Collegiate Chairperson for Virginia and Advisor of the Christopher Newport University Collegiate Chapter, Newport News, Virgina

This article is adapted from an article in the September 2007 issue of Collegiate Newslink titled, "Jump-Start Your CMENC Chapter: Ways to Increase Visibility” by Keith Koster.

--Shauna Leavitt, August 27, 2009, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education (www.menc.org)