Blog 4: Recruiting Beginners!

Dear Shannalee,

So you're beginning a band eh? Well, have I got the blog for you! This entry will be all about how to recruit new band members effectively. So without further ado...let us begin.

First of all, you should write some goals that you'd like them to accomplish in their first year of band. Here are some that I would like to see get done (and you probably will too...):

1. They should be able to put together their instruments in a way that does not bring harm to them.
2. They should listen when I am on the podium. (Therefore I will need to give them times when they can talk.)
3. They should hand in practice notes from parents.
4. Treat fellow classmates with respect and work as a team to produce a wonderful sound.

INSTRUMENTAL PETTING ZOO:The next thing you'll want to do is get kids (and their parents) excited about finding an instrument and being a part of a real live band! With disinfectant spray in hand and mouthpiece in another, set up an Instrumental Petting Zoo for them. Once they have gone through all the instruments, ask what their top 2 choices would be for an instrument and write this next to their name. As they leave the Zoo, hand them a brightly colored slip telling their parents about the parent meeting. Add in how they can contact you if they can't make this meeting.

THE PARENT MEETING: Be sure to have punch and cookies to butter them up a little. Have a colorful and inspiring Power Point Presentation (Storms in Africa by Enya would be a good choice here) for them to watch as you tell them how excited you about this new and important experience in their childs' life. The Presentation should include:

1. Info about each instrument.
2. Recommendations as far as where to buy it.
3. When to have their decision by.

I am confident that if you are well organized and prepare well, you will help them to understand the importance of this program and have a very nicely balanced band (hopefully not too many saxophonists...). Remember that you can use some tactics to guide them to another instrument if there are too many of one kind. "You have a good ear! You would be an excellent French Horn player!"

Love,

Shannalee