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Context
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL CARE DAILY WORK
WEEKLY MEETINGS
2. Smartmusic open on a computer or iPad 3. Use your phone or 2nd device for the meeting stream. We recommend using headphone/earbuds. 4. If tech isn't working, just jump on the meeting without Smartmusic and use the info to practice later. CULTURE
Retention Strategies
Retention is a daily and ongoing process that happens in every rehearsal, every communication and every decision for your music program. The director is the one person who can control the most elements in any music program. Students’ time, talent and energy are valuable. If you want high levels of student retention, then respecting those resources must be a part of the daily operations of the program. Start With the End in Mind. When creating rules, policies, calendars, etc. envision your ultimate goal for every student. If you want students to be long-term members, with independent musical growth, then keep that the focus. Do not get tied up in chasing trophies, creating burdensome schedules or unrealistic practice expectations. The program will never be more important to anyone than it is to you, and your priority of the program will not be shared by every family. Decide what are reasonable expectations to meet the program's’ goals and be willing to live with the consequences. Many directors will win a battle or two but lose the war when structuring the program. Quality Materials & Music 20% of the students will be “die-hard” band kids. These kids will love everything about the band almost all of the time. 10% will be “on the fence” and may only be there because a parent is insisting it happen. These kids will resist or at best tolerate almost everything about band almost all of the time. 60% of the kids will be casually committed. These students like band if it fast-paced, social, rewarding and meaningful. How do we engage all of these students? High-quality literature. Selecting your literature should be an ongoing and careful process that evolves as the group develops. The better the quality of music, the more your students will be engaged. Engaged students stay in band. Communication Make it easy for students, parents, and administrators to find information easily. Update websites and social media often so your band community has a reason to check in with these sites. Frustration in finding information often causes families to give up on a program. It is critical when communicating with families that you work toward solutions to issues or conflicts. Ultimatums end relationships. Is the program there for the student or is the student there for the program? Whatever your answer, that will be at the center of your communication. Keep in mind that reasonable flexibility helps students know that they are important to you and the program. Consistency Consistency in daily rehearsal structure, assessment procedures, routines, and expectations will give students a sense of security and build a foundation of trust. That trust leads to strong relationships with students and families. A critical area of consistency is in setting a calendar of rehearsals and performances. The earlier this is set and the less it changes, the easier it will be for families to keep their children in your program. Chaos in the program creates chaos for families and is disrespectful of the students’ time and home schedule. Ideas for preparing sets of instruments for appointments (whenever we return to school).
We need to approach this with a plan in hand and share it with admin and parents before they come to us. By showing we are thinking about solutions we will build trust. This is the first draft and will be tweaked but something to think about going forward. Traughber JHS Beginner Instrument Appointment Protocol
This summer The Phantom Regiment is doing a show in tribute to Joan of Arc and the empowerment of women. There is an intense response online because the show design does not include any music by women composers. A decent amount of people support the program design and have pushed back against criticisms and described critics as being too sensitive, too PC, out of line because the corps has selected "the best music" for the show, etc.
I have been scolded and told I should be ashamed of myself and I am being hurtful to the designers and members. I love the Phantom Regiment and want it to survive and thrive. The members deserve the best possible design to have the best chance at success. This is why I have my opinions. Here is Phantom's own description of the program: "In a time when the world needed someone to stand up, hers was the voice that ignited change. The 2019 Phantom Regiment celebrates bold, empowered women and the spirit of revolution through the lens of Joan of Arc, one of the world’s most prolific independent women. Sometimes when you are willing to stand alone, the whole world will listen." ...to music by white, male composers. What if it said... "In a time when the world needed someone to stand up, his was the voice that ignited change. The 2019 Phantom Regiment celebrates bold, empowered minorities and the spirit of revolution through the lens of Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the world’s most prolific independent men. Sometimes when you are willing to stand alone, the whole world will listen." ...to music by white, male composers. Or said... "In a time when the world needed someone to stand up, theirs was the voice that ignited change. The 2019 Phantom Regiment celebrates the bold, empowered LGBTQ Community and the spirit of revolution through the lens of Lena Waithe, one of the world’s most prolific independent women. Sometimes when you are willing to stand alone, the whole world will listen." ...to music by white, male, straight composers. I don't think anyone would think these are well thought out ideas. My point is, we need to seek perspectives in art forms from the people it represents. Just consider that we filter our lives through our own experience and if that is one of a white, straight male, then it might be healthy to include an additional perspective. |
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