Bridging the Gap

Scheduling conflicts, academic demands, social pressures and uncertainty about the high school experience can all pull students away from music. Retention takes more than a single event. It depends on year-round relationships, collaboration, communication, belonging and intentional support. To meet this challenge, The Music Achievement Council created Bridging the Gap Between Middle School and High School, a free student-retention guide for middle school and high school band directors, orchestra directors and instrumental music educators. Inside, you’ll find practical, year-round strategies — from partnering with counselors and administrators, to hosting information nights, recognizing student growth and keeping families in the loop — so students experience one continuous music program, not two separate ones.