Reflections on Recruitment

Coming from a very small school district, I saw, first hand, the importance of recruitment for the instrumental music program. With this being said, I think one of the best ways to build quality instrumental music programs is to ensure an adequate number of beginners in the program each year while keeping as many of them as possible. Moreover, effective communication between the student, parents and administrators is crucial. Without proper attention to the significant role that communication plays, music directors will never be completely successful in generating the support necessary for their programs to thrive. Music students need to know what is expected of them and that they play a key role in the success of their department. Through conferences, letters, and even phone conversations, parents need to be alerted to any success or problems of beginning students. Even little things like publishing the names of all students in concert programs can help build pride and motivate them to continue practicing towards the goal of participating in an ensemble. To further aid communication while clarifying student responsibilities, a student handbook should be created that clearly states the goals and objectives of the program and gives detailed information. Additionally, one of the most obvious but neglected areas of communication is the parent-director relationship. If music students are to be successful and stay involved in the program, enlightened and supportive parents are essential. Ideally, a three-way partnership is entered into by the student, parent, and instructor.

I also think it is important to note that directors need to recruit more than just students but their families as well. No one will have a more direct influence on the success of the music department and retention of its students than the parents. Without their enthusiasm and interest, it is easy for students to drop out of the instrumental program or never even join. Parents need to feel as if they are involved with the program in some way, such as utilizing them as chaperons for trips or asking them to help with concerts, uniforms or other administrative tasks in order to increase their loyalty and concern while at the same time, making the director’s job easier!