This month's More to Start, Fewer to Quit (MSFQ) tips come from Don Stinson, Director of Bands, Joliet Central High School.
RECRUITMENT TIPS
Recruitment Isn’t Over - It’s Right in Front of You!
We often think of recruitment as something we did - a spring tour, a parent night, a flyer campaign. But some of the most effective recruiting occurs quietly, every day, during rehearsal.
Want to make your program more appealing? Let students (and their families) see the joy and energy that’s already happening. A few ideas:
- Post a rehearsal photo or video clip with a short student quote: “I love playing this part!” or “Today’s warm-up was tough in the best way.”
- Invite the principal or a counselor to stop by and watch a run-through. Even 10 minutes of visibility builds buy-in.
- Once a month, ask students to write one sentence about something they’re proud of in class and email it (or print it) for their parent or guardian. A simple “I nailed my clarinet scale today” helps parents feel connected - and students feel seen.
Rehearsal is your best commercial. Treat it that way.
RETENTION TIPS
Re-Recruit Your Current Students
We spend so much time trying to bring in new students that we sometimes forget to re-engage the ones already here.
Start the year with a simple prompt:
“Why are you still in band/orchestra/choir?”
Have students write their answers on index cards, post them in the room, or share anonymously in a Google Form. You can turn their responses into:
- A bulletin board display
- Social media posts (with permission)
- Pep talks when motivation dips mid-semester
You’ll likely see answers like:
- “This is my fun class.”
- “I like playing with my friends.”
- “It makes me feel good.”
Whatever they say, they’re reminding themselves why they belong. And reminding you what’s working. (And don’t get offended if more than one says, “It’s an easy A!” Just be glad they are there!)
SUCCESS TIPS
Turn "Why I Play" Into a Culture Builder
Take those student responses a step further by sharing them publicly - in concert programs, morning announcements, or even on the back of T-shirts.
When students articulate their own “why,” it sticks. When others hear it, they listen.
And when your current students feel proud to be part of something meaningful, they’ll become your best recruiters - not because you asked, but because they want to.
Wishing you and your students a strong and joyful start to the school year!
Don Stinson
Director of Bands, Joliet Central High School