It is tricky because some of those students might be scared and lack confidence in their abilities, while on the other, you some might not have the self-discipline and drive to put in the hardwork to build a successful band program. Do a lot of performances in the community and around the school. Start up some conversations at lunch and during breaks in class about band, which could get some people interested. Go to your feeder school(if you have one) and get involved.
Tell students that band is hard work, but it can be fun as well. Also mention that if they get good at the craft, it could help pay for college and look good in terms of extracurricular activities. You should focus on mainly new people at your school and avoid people who weren't raised with any sense. Band is hard enough to do without unproductive/undisciplined students. Talk about what band has done for you and what you think about it.
That is a good idea , ima have to tell my band director that . This is my senior year & I would like for our band to get bigger like it used to be , but with all the switching of tha band directors people just been giving up & they lack pride. & we don't have support like we used to. We have a new band director and I think she should know about the feeder schools so we can try & start pulling in new kids .
number1 said:
It is tricky because some of those students might be scared and lack confidence in their abilities, while on the other, you some might not have the self-discipline and drive to put in the hardwork to build a successful band program. Do a lot of performances in the community and around the school. Start up some conversations at lunch and during breaks in class about band, which could get some people interested. Go to your feeder school(if you have one) and get involved.
Encouraging Suggestions
How do you encourage more students to JOIN your high school band ?
I agree with you 100% on staying away from the kids without any sense . If we have any of them in our organization it would mess us up because the new ones would look at them and start doing what they do and that would NOT be a good look for us . & I also like that uu said unproductive/undiscipline ! Those are the main things people notice about a band especially the judges .
Raymond Baker said:
Tell students that band is hard work, but it can be fun as well. Also mention that if they get good at the craft, it could help pay for college and look good in terms of extracurricular activities. You should focus on mainly new people at your school and avoid people who weren't raised with any sense. Band is hard enough to do without unproductive/undisciplined students. Talk about what band has done for you and what you think about it.
Encouraging Suggestions
How do you encourage more students to JOIN your high school band ?
Be as visible as possible on campus, in the community, and at the feeders.
If the elementaries or jr high/middle schools are having drug-free or testing pep rallies, be there. Neighborhood church and community festivals are good to play at, too. Plant seeds in the younger kids. The earlier you can spark interest in band, the better. If there's a parade within 20 miles of your school, try to be there in some form.
Once you get that interest built, screen the kids that want to join (attendance zone, academics, reading level, discipline, etc.), and assign them to an instrument from there the spring semester before you start them.
Get good contact info and follow up with camp info and performance schedules. The more information you can put out there early, the more likely people will try to get involved.
HOWEVER
Don't beg and plead with anyone to get in the band. Those people tend to disappear at the worst time because they think the band "needs" them. If a kid joins the band, it has to be because they WANT to do it.
okaay , ThankYOU for providing me with this info . & it all makes sense because when I was little my brothers played in tha band & I always wanted to be in the band .
ClevePVU said:
Be as visible as possible on campus, in the community, and at the feeders.
If the elementaries or jr high/middle schools are having drug-free or testing pep rallies, be there. Neighborhood church and community festivals are good to play at, too. Plant seeds in the younger kids. The earlier you can spark interest in band, the better. If there's a parade within 20 miles of your school, try to be there in some form.
Once you get that interest built, screen the kids that want to join (attendance zone, academics, reading level, discipline, etc.), and assign them to an instrument from there the spring semester before you start them.
Get good contact info and follow up with camp info and performance schedules. The more information you can put out there early, the more likely people will try to get involved.
HOWEVER
Don't beg and plead with anyone to get in the band. Those people tend to disappear at the worst time because they think the band "needs" them. If a kid joins the band, it has to be because they WANT to do it.
Encouraging Suggestions
How do you encourage more students to JOIN your high school band ?
I agree with Cleve. Anyway you can market your program is great. Getting new members is easy the trick is keeping them. You may have to clean house first: get rid of all of the lazy asses who half show up for practice and make excuses then bring in the new ones and keep them under your wing. Be responsible for them the entire time they are there: teaching them music, steps, and just keeping a good relationship.
Also its up to the director to be positive and a people person too.
Replies
number1 said:
Raymond Baker said:
If the elementaries or jr high/middle schools are having drug-free or testing pep rallies, be there. Neighborhood church and community festivals are good to play at, too. Plant seeds in the younger kids. The earlier you can spark interest in band, the better. If there's a parade within 20 miles of your school, try to be there in some form.
Once you get that interest built, screen the kids that want to join (attendance zone, academics, reading level, discipline, etc.), and assign them to an instrument from there the spring semester before you start them.
Get good contact info and follow up with camp info and performance schedules. The more information you can put out there early, the more likely people will try to get involved.
HOWEVER
Don't beg and plead with anyone to get in the band. Those people tend to disappear at the worst time because they think the band "needs" them. If a kid joins the band, it has to be because they WANT to do it.
ClevePVU said:
Also its up to the director to be positive and a people person too.
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