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The start of the year is always a whirlwind—new schedules, broken strings, reeds that mysteriously disappear, and beginners who can barely get their first sound out. In the middle of all that, it’s easy to forget what keeps students coming back to band and orchestra year after year. Sure, they enjoy playing their instrument, but ask them why they really stay, and you’ll often hear: “Band feels like family.” “It’s where I make my best memories.” “It gives me a break in the day.” At the heart of it all? The joy of making music with others.
That’s why it’s so important to give your beginners real, rewarding music-making experiences right away. Their initial excitement is contagious—but it can fade quickly if they don’t feel like they’re truly making music. Here are a few ways to keep that spark alive:
Lean on Your Leaders
Younger students look up to older ones, and you can use that to your advantage. Pair beginners with older players—whether that’s students in your own program or from the high school feeder program. A quick “welcome to band/orchestra” note or email from a veteran player can mean the world to a beginner. This not only encourages the new kids, it helps your leaders practice mentorship and buy into the program even more.
Give Them Group Experiences Early
Don’t wait months before they feel part of an ensemble. Even simple duets, apps like UpbeatMusicApp, or short play-along videos can create that “we’re in this together” feeling. The sooner students experience the fun of making music with someone else, the stronger their connection to the program will be.
Celebrate Small Wins
That first squeak-free note, a section finally blending, or a student proudly playing for a parent at home—those are the victories that build momentum. Highlighting these moments helps beginners see themselves as real musicians and reminds older students why they fell in love with music in the first place.
And remember—you don’t have to do this alone.
Be sure to use your resources! One of the best resources is your team here at Palen Music Center. We’ve walked in your shoes and understand the challenges you face. Whether it’s answering questions, helping with repairs, or brainstorming ideas for your classroom, we are here to support you and your students every step of the way. You can always reach out to your PMC ed rep, your nearest PMC location, to Aaron Bryan, Senior Vice President (abryan@palenmusic.com), or to me directly (austin@palenmusic.com).
Together, we can do anything.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve you and hope this year is filled with growth, music-making, and the joy that keeps students coming back for more.
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