Virus-Friendly Beginner Recruitment

Over the last few weeks several directors have asked for suggestions on how to continue Beginning Band & Orchestra Recruitment while still practicing social distancing. The two biggest concerns are how to have the students try the instruments while schools are closed and how to have the students try the instruments when classes resume. Although this does present a challenge, I think it also offers an opportunity to try some new and old resources. Band & Orchestra recruitment has always been about finding a way to get the kids excited about music, and encouraging them to join your program.

Before Schools Re-open: Think Digital

Social Media Outreach

Does your school have a Facebook account? Does your program use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or any another online platform? If so, I would suggest posting performances daily. Get your program in the feed! Post instrument demonstrations for every instrument. Assign current members to make 10-15 second demonstration videos at home and tell them the best ones will be shared on the district website!

Invitation Email

Take the time now to create a JOIN THE BAND/ORCHESTRA document. Make it simple, yet exciting. Let the students know they have been selected to be a part of the band/orchestra. Include photos of current members, testimonies, and information about events and activities. See if the administration will email the document to every student in the incoming class.

Online Music Aptitude Tests

While the students are at home, ask their current teachers to assign the Selmer music aptitude test. The test offers a way for students to demonstrate abilities in tonal memory, ability to discriminate among tones, ability to recognize repeated musical patterns, rhythmic counting abilities, and ability to discriminate among rhythmic combinations. It works well for both band and orchestra.

Be Part of the Music

This is a fabulous website to share with the parents and members. It is broken down into three sections: Instrument Demonstration, Ensemble Exploration, Advocacy. I would highly recommend sharing this with the parents. www.bepartofthemusic.org

When Schools Re-open: Get Out There

Get Into the Classrooms

There will be no state tests this year!!! This will allow you a more flexible schedule to get your ensembles out to do demonstrations, performances and share the message: JOIN BAND! JOIN ORCHESTRA!

Get Your Videos Out There

Several years ago, I walked into a cafeteria at an elementary school to a room full of students quietly eating and watching Drum Corps shows. What a great idea!!! Take advantage of the media resources within your building. Ask the administration to show videos of your concerts, marching performances, solos and ensembles, jazz events, etc. Get your videos out there.

Be Patient

Look at the current situation as an opportunity to get creative as well as try new ideas and resources. The more you are proactive, the better the outcome will be; but you also need to remember to be patient. Take a breath and remember why you became a teacher. It is about the kids. Show your heart and the love of the program and they will join. Hang in there!

Melissia is from Willard, Missouri. She performed and taught for years with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corp. She was the 1992 Percussive Arts Society International Keyboard Champion. She graduated from Missouri State University and has teaching experience in Missouri, Illinois, and Las Vegas Nevada. Melissia has achieved many things as a director including leading her marching band to the BOA Grand Nationals Semifinals and directing her concert band all the way to the Missouri Music Educators Association State convention. Ms. Goff's professional affiliations include Who's Who Among America's Teachers, Missouri Music Educators Association, Missouri Bandmasters Association, MENC, Phi Beta Mu.