I'm a band member in a compton city high school band, everywhere i turn theres a loss in musical interest, our bands are running on 25 to 30 band members strong, sometimes those numbers include the attach units, how can i recruit, how can i save music in Compton?
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If there are any middle school programs feeding your school, hit them up first. Early and often. The more they can see the high school band or its staff, the more familiar they become with the program, and it's easier for them to make that transition. We plan to visit our 3 middle schools in the next couple of weeks. We may get 40 kids this way.
Some situations require that you start kids in beginning band as they get to high school. In which case, you have to let as many people in the community as possible, especially younger kids, see your group. Even if your group is small, if they are positive and have their stuff together, it will attract new members. Now, with the new kids coming in raw, it requires that you be willing to teach all the fundamentals so they can have some success. You may have to provide material that can capture their interest, but also teach the skills they will need.
Another thing we've been doing is sending band members out to find anyone around the school to find 2 or 3 people that might have had playing experience or expressed a desire to play in the band...people that they KNOW will work hard and make a contribution. We're working with the counselors to create a beginning band class to get those students on track. Some may work out and some may not, but get them in there.
We had about 95 kids on paper this year, and were able to march 64. This coming year, we hope to be able to put 96 on the field.
Thank you, Frankie....you are one of only a precious few standing up for the band.
But know that when I'm not with you I am talking to kids - and the BDs from Bunche, Davis, Enterprise, Roosevelt, Walton, and Whaley. The word is already out and the registration/invitations will go out on Tuesday. I have also planned an "Alumni Band Weekend " in May so that all of you can get the benefit of learning about the pride, dedication, and traditions of your band. Above all know this...WE WILL MAKE IT AND WE WILL BE THE DOMINATING, DEVASTATING DONS ONCE AGAIN!
Well I am a member of Greenville Weston High School Solid Gold Marching Band. I agree with you, when you say that there has been a lost in music. About 4 years ago our band was about 200 strong. but about 6 years ago it was 300 strong. We continue to see a decline. We are recruiting from our two local middle schools. You all need to find some pop music and a dance routine. Do a show at you all local middle schools. Have a camp and or day set aside for incoming Freshmans. Our band is currently 130 members, we are recruting now and because of that we are looking toward being at least 180 to 200 members strong. I would suggest that all auxillary be reqiured to play an instrument. Remind students of the fun side of band, tell than later about the hard wrok. For instance our band host a band camp for two weeks, but at the end of camp divide the band in half and let them battle each other. Its just something fun, it gives them a chance to put aside all the hardwork...
I LIKE THAT IDEA..I MIGHT HAVE TO SUGGEST IT TO MY BAND DIRECTOR
Ozell Pace Jr. said:
Well I am a member of Greenville Weston High School Solid Gold Marching Band. I agree with you, when you say that there has been a lost in music. About 4 years ago our band was about 200 strong. but about 6 years ago it was 300 strong. We continue to see a decline. We are recruiting from our two local middle schools. You all need to find some pop music and a dance routine. Do a show at you all local middle schools. Have a camp and or day set aside for incoming Freshmans. Our band is currently 130 members, we are recruting now and because of that we are looking toward being at least 180 to 200 members strong. I would suggest that all auxillary be reqiured to play an instrument. Remind students of the fun side of band, tell than later about the hard wrok. For instance our band host a band camp for two weeks, but at the end of camp divide the band in half and let them battle each other. Its just something fun, it gives them a chance to put aside all the hardwork...
Recruting is hard, any help?
I'm a band member in a compton city high school band, everywhere i turn theres a loss in musical interest, our bands are running on 25 to 30 band mem…
What everyone just said is true. We are going to our middle school to recruit. Also grab a friend or two that want to see what its like to be in the band. Sometimes they stay then sometimes they don't. My band director changed the auxiliary from 10th grade through 12th grade. It was 8th through 12th. Our School has a building with the 7th and 8th grades in it. To tryout for any Auxiliary spot you must be in the band for a year or more. If you want a big band Start early at your middle and elementary level and your numbers will rise quickly. One of my school rival bands Always have a lot of short kids. We wondered why; but we found out they were middle /Jr. high kids. Most important if your band works hard and puts on a Great show where ever you go or every time you do a show; then everyone will want to join your band.
HMM... DO YOU STILL FEEL THE SAME WAY MS. CARTER? THE WAY BAND IS GOING NOW, I FEEL REALLY PESSIMISTIC ABOUT IT. DON'T GET ME WRONG, I LOVE THIS BAND. BUT I REALLY THINK YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO WHAT THE BAND MEMBERS SAY, IF NOT WHAT'S THE POINT OF RECRUTING IF THEY WON'T EVEN WANT TO JOIN A BAND IN WHICH THEIR OPINIONS WON'T BE HEARD.. ONLY THEIR INSTRUMENTS. I THINK THATS WHY NOT MANY PEOPLE ARE IN BAND BESIDES THE FACT THAT MANY OF THE BAND MEMBERS ALREADY GRADUATED. IT'S OUR BAND AND IF WE CAN'T DECIDE FOR OUR OWN BAND, THEN WHAT'S THE POINT IN SAVING IT? AS FOR MY OPINION, CURRENT DRUM MAJOR = NO GOOD.
GO DONS!
lolita carter said:
Thank you, Frankie....you are one of only a precious few standing up for the band. But know that when I'm not with you I am talking to kids - and the BDs from Bunche, Davis, Enterprise, Roosevelt, Walton, and Whaley. The word is already out and the registration/invitations will go out on Tuesday. I have also planned an "Alumni Band Weekend " in May so that all of you can get the benefit of learning about the pride, dedication, and traditions of your band. Above all know this...WE WILL MAKE IT AND WE WILL BE THE DOMINATING, DEVASTATING DONS ONCE AGAIN!
Recruting is hard, any help?
I'm a band member in a compton city high school band, everywhere i turn theres a loss in musical interest, our bands are running on 25 to 30 band mem…
You definitely want plenty of parental involvement. Our director made to mistake of not getting that parents as involved as they should be and we're in the same boat now. The parents raise money like crazy. You get some people that do nothing but fund raising. But be careful, some people show up and bleed you dry. We got one old lady who's kid graduated in like 1492 trying to get money from us, pretending to be 'band parent'. She's like a band 'ancestor'. I honestly know what you guys are going through. I feel like i'm a strong player in a small band. But keep going and things might work out. Even if you end up with about 12 wind players and some persuccion, make them strong playerss. That's small enough that you can make them all sound perfect. Just make sure that the people who are there actually want to be there. Talk to them. Miami is starting to look that way too. Bands just keep getting smaller. Only the REALLY strong bands stay big. The others kind of start to shrink. Invite the middle schools to play at your concert band performances, have them rehearse with you. It'll help. We're going to be doing that this year.
Yes, I do still feel the same way...and if you wish to discuss your opinions...talk to me in the bandroom tomorrow!
I'll see you at 2:45pm in my office. Bring your bravado and your internet courage with you!
DHS! said:
HMM... DO YOU STILL FEEL THE SAME WAY MS. CARTER? THE WAY BAND IS GOING NOW, I FEEL REALLY PESSIMISTIC ABOUT IT. DON'T GET ME WRONG, I LOVE THIS BAND. BUT I REALLY THINK YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO WHAT THE BAND MEMBERS SAY, IF NOT WHAT'S THE POINT OF RECRUTING IF THEY WON'T EVEN WANT TO JOIN A BAND IN WHICH THEIR OPINIONS WON'T BE HEARD.. ONLY THEIR INSTRUMENTS. I THINK THATS WHY NOT MANY PEOPLE ARE IN BAND BESIDES THE FACT THAT MANY OF THE BAND MEMBERS ALREADY GRADUATED. IT'S OUR BAND AND IF WE CAN'T DECIDE FOR OUR OWN BAND, THEN WHAT'S THE POINT IN SAVING IT? AS FOR MY OPINION, CURRENT DRUM MAJOR = NO GOOD. GO DONS!
lolita carter said:
Thank you, Frankie....you are one of only a precious few standing up for the band. But know that when I'm not with you I am talking to kids - and the BDs from Bunche, Davis, Enterprise, Roosevelt, Walton, and Whaley. The word is already out and the registration/invitations will go out on Tuesday. I have also planned an "Alumni Band Weekend " in May so that all of you can get the benefit of learning about the pride, dedication, and traditions of your band. Above all know this...WE WILL MAKE IT AND WE WILL BE THE DOMINATING, DEVASTATING DONS ONCE AGAIN!
Recruting is hard, any help?
I'm a band member in a compton city high school band, everywhere i turn theres a loss in musical interest, our bands are running on 25 to 30 band mem…
HMM... DO YOU STILL FEEL THE SAME WAY MS. CARTER? THE WAY BAND IS GOING NOW, I FEEL REALLY PESSIMISTIC ABOUT IT. DON'T GET ME WRONG, I LOVE THIS BAND. BUT I REALLY THINK YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO WHAT THE BAND MEMBERS SAY, IF NOT WHAT'S THE POINT OF RECRUTING IF THEY WON'T EVEN WANT TO JOIN A BAND IN WHICH THEIR OPINIONS WON'T BE HEARD.. ONLY THEIR INSTRUMENTS. I THINK THATS WHY NOT MANY PEOPLE ARE IN BAND BESIDES THE FACT THAT MANY OF THE BAND MEMBERS ALREADY GRADUATED. IT'S OUR BAND AND IF WE CAN'T DECIDE FOR OUR OWN BAND, THEN WHAT'S THE POINT IN SAVING IT? AS FOR MY OPINION, CURRENT DRUM MAJOR = NO GOOD:
ever since the transfer of power and post from the older Band Director to the New Band Director at DHS many.. Many former band members constantly disrespect ms carter... i see it to be a disgusting turn of events.. yea love ur band.. but dont send it to hell for a personal reason..
Recruting is hard, any help?
I'm a band member in a compton city high school band, everywhere i turn theres a loss in musical interest, our bands are running on 25 to 30 band mem…
I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN FRANKIE. THAT'S WHY WE CONTINUE TO DO WHAT WE HAVE TO DO. FOR THE BAND. SO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK FRANKIE, AND STAY POSITIVE. IT WILL ALL PAY OFF EVENTUALLY. THE THING IS WITHOUT PROPER COMMUNICATION AND COOPERATION, IT WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT. THAT'S THE POINT IM TRYING TO GET THROUGH.
Francisco Orozco said:
DHS! said:
HMM... DO YOU STILL FEEL THE SAME WAY MS. CARTER? THE WAY BAND IS GOING NOW, I FEEL REALLY PESSIMISTIC ABOUT IT. DON'T GET ME WRONG, I LOVE THIS BAND. BUT I REALLY THINK YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO WHAT THE BAND MEMBERS SAY, IF NOT WHAT'S THE POINT OF RECRUTING IF THEY WON'T EVEN WANT TO JOIN A BAND IN WHICH THEIR OPINIONS WON'T BE HEARD.. ONLY THEIR INSTRUMENTS. I THINK THATS WHY NOT MANY PEOPLE ARE IN BAND BESIDES THE FACT THAT MANY OF THE BAND MEMBERS ALREADY GRADUATED. IT'S OUR BAND AND IF WE CAN'T DECIDE FOR OUR OWN BAND, THEN WHAT'S THE POINT IN SAVING IT? AS FOR MY OPINION, CURRENT DRUM MAJOR = NO GOOD:
ever since the transfer of power and post from the older Band Director to the New Band Director at DHS many.. Many former band members constantly disrespect ms carter... i see it to be a disgusting turn of events.. yea love ur band.. but dont send it to hell for a personal reason..
Recruting is hard, any help?
I'm a band member in a compton city high school band, everywhere i turn theres a loss in musical interest, our bands are running on 25 to 30 band mem…
Replies
Some situations require that you start kids in beginning band as they get to high school. In which case, you have to let as many people in the community as possible, especially younger kids, see your group. Even if your group is small, if they are positive and have their stuff together, it will attract new members. Now, with the new kids coming in raw, it requires that you be willing to teach all the fundamentals so they can have some success. You may have to provide material that can capture their interest, but also teach the skills they will need.
Another thing we've been doing is sending band members out to find anyone around the school to find 2 or 3 people that might have had playing experience or expressed a desire to play in the band...people that they KNOW will work hard and make a contribution. We're working with the counselors to create a beginning band class to get those students on track. Some may work out and some may not, but get them in there.
We had about 95 kids on paper this year, and were able to march 64. This coming year, we hope to be able to put 96 on the field.
But know that when I'm not with you I am talking to kids - and the BDs from Bunche, Davis, Enterprise, Roosevelt, Walton, and Whaley. The word is already out and the registration/invitations will go out on Tuesday. I have also planned an "Alumni Band Weekend " in May so that all of you can get the benefit of learning about the pride, dedication, and traditions of your band. Above all know this...WE WILL MAKE IT AND WE WILL BE THE DOMINATING, DEVASTATING DONS ONCE AGAIN!
Ozell Pace Jr. said:
GO DONS!
lolita carter said:
I'll see you at 2:45pm in my office. Bring your bravado and your internet courage with you!
DHS! said:
Francisco Orozco said:
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