Middle School Recruitment Strategies (May 2017 TMEA Survey) Sorted by Category What have you done to improve RECRUITMENT? Teaching Area.

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1 Added more specialized choirs to increase interest. Advanced music group with tenure reqirement Assist feeder teacher Assist feeder teachers in classroom Assisting elementary teachers in classroom. Have elem campus alumni perform Athlete-musicians -- poster Athlete-musicians talk about success in both with students Athlete-musicians talk about success in both with students Brochure I have been the first full time choir director at this school. This year, I took time to go recruit incoming students at the 5th/6th grade school. I added more choirs, including a new show choir and an honor treble choir, to my program for next year to draw in more students and give them a more quality experience. I also had a treble choir this year that did well at UIL. Hopefully this will show other students that this program is on the way up and that they should join. Choir 2C 5A I just worked really hard to get 6th graders and worked constantly to keep them interested. I was able to have an 8th grade mixed choir and part of the requirements was they had to be in both 6th and 7th grade to be in the Symphonic Choir and all of our students wanted to advance. I did not have as many problems while I was teaching. A lot of my recruitment came from word of mouth of parents and students as well as siblings. Choir 3C 6A Find several days during the year to swap schools with the elementary school music teacher and do a lesson to the elementary students on instrument study and take a car load of instruments to demonstrate. (I wasn't able to do this at my previous school, but I did this in another district that worked very well). Band 1C 3A There was a two year period where my schedule allowed for me to go to the feeder elementary programs and work with their choirs on a weekly basis. This more than doubled my middle school program! However, within the last few years the middle school schedule has not allowed this to happen even once in each semester and the numbers are now falling. Choir 2C 6A I have taken to spending a few days at elementary campuses sitting in and teaching a few 5thgrade recorder classes in the same way we would teach a band class. The "right kids" seem to gravitate to us after sitting in a rehearsal setting with us. Also bringing former alumni of the elementary school to perform in a solo setting has been helpful! The biggest roadblock is convincing the kids they don't need to know everything to do it. Band 3C 6A We placed posters which showed band members with their instruments while dressed in their athletics uniform. Band 2C 6A Brought in athletes that they look up to in different sports come in and talk to them about band and sports. Band 1C 2A It's been very helpful to have boys in my choir who are leaders in sports, because they have helped show others that choir is cool and acceptable. Choir 3C 5A Colored brochure. We are not allowed to be involved at our elementary campuses in our school district. Choir 3C 6A page 1 of 35

2 Build relationships Improving recruitment is difficult, but it stems from building relationships. It is key to have someone at the feeder elementary/intermediate that gets kids excited about singing. That's the first battle. If you do, then it's about building relationships first with the kids that are enrolled/participating in choir. By making a regular effort to care about performances, help assist in/clinic rehearsals, it builds rapport with the kids where they learn to trust you. Each visit is a deposit in the bank for when they choose schedules. Choir 3C 5A Combined performance with elementary Combined performances In early September, I invited my feeder schools to sing a unison piece at our Christmas concert. The piece was accessible and fun, and allowed USB to initiate a joint rehearsal where those students got to visit our campus during their school day. We highlighted their directors and also put all of their names into a drawing for some gift cards that we presented at the concert. A great success! Choir 2C 5A We have done a 6th grade pop show in February around choice cards being passed out to 5th and 6th graders. We invite the 5th grade feeders to come and perform a song with the 6th graders on their pop show. We gained about 20 additional 5th graders by doing that and have 120 5th graders come and sing with us at the show. Choir 3C 6A Combined rehearsal communication with parents We work to have the 6th grade students meet during the last period of the day on Friday's to play as a group. Also we will take them to the Soundpost Music Festival in Canton to enjoy playing at the contest and water park. This year we will retain all but two students from the 6th to 7th grade. Band 1C 2A Communicating with parents in both English and Spanish through our letters home, our information pamphlet, and letting parents know that one of the directors can speak Spanish. We also emphasize the support we provide to our students academically, as well as musically. In a community where many parents are working multiple jobs to make ends meet the fact that we're providing that kind of support and our focus on being a family seems to be a strong draw for our kids and parents. We have more to do to build relationships with the kiddos before they make their choice between band, choir, art, and orchestra. Band 3C 6A Director visibility Feeder students go to secondary program We have a large program Our school enrollment is 900 so we are a strong program he we face different challenges We try to be visible and allow students input so that they feel like they are In control of some of the choices with their band ie social events and field trips Band 2C 6A We host a night where our middle school feeders bring students and OUR students do masterclasses with them on their region etudes. All social activities that night are students led! The idea is that MS students want to hang with and look up to HS students. Band 3C 6A page 2 of 35

3 Feeder students go to secondary program When we exposed the 5th grade elementary students to the high school marching band in the fall, that was a big difference. I organized a field trip with the students from the 3 elementary campuses to watch the high school band's marching show during one of their morning rehearsals. It allows me to introduce the instruments and feature the outstanding students. After doing this each year, the high school students love doing it because they remember taking part in the event as a 5th grader. I also take select beginner students to the elementary campuses to perform for the 5th graders. I only pick one or two from each section to show off what they've learned in the first 4-5 months of playing. I usually do this event in January, then do an evaluation night(s) in February before TMEA and after TMEA. Band 2C 4A Field trips For some reason, students love being on field trips. So I have enrolled in several competitions that also provide a little fun. For example, last year we went to a local amusement park where they also host a choir competition every year. Students competed and also had some time to have fun. This year we took it up a notch and competed at Anaheim, CA and entoednthe rest of the days at some of the amusement parks near like Disneyland. Even if Disneyland is not possible, the local amusement park was enough last year students to jump like fish out of the water to join my program. Choir 2C 5A Financial Aid Every child has an opportunity to learn to play an instrument even if they never had the desire to, but because many have a grasp on the concepts, they still continue to work and play their instrument for the school and the music program. Students that may have never had a chance at another program were given every opportunity to be successful in music, because even the binders and pencils, reeds, and mouthpieces are provided for every single child grades 4th- 7th. It does not cost our students a dime to participate in the band program. Every meal and even an all expenses paid trip in the high school to Disney and Universal was completely paid for by the school and fundraisers. Band 1C 2A fine arts team approach We have joined together with orchestra to put on a huge recruitment concert. After students go through their Instrument Drive, we personally deliver a fancy invitation to play the best suited instrument for them. The invitation is also for our beginner band breakfast where we feature performances from some of the HS and JH ensembles. Band 3C 6A Fine arts team approach The band director and I go to the elementary school and talk to the students during their music class time. Even though they are all going to go into either one of our classes it is good to meet with the students so that they can see what each group has to offer. Our band director is great and we have a good working relationship so there is no competition here. We want what will fit best for each student. Choir 2C 5A page 3 of 35

4 Fine arts team approach with orch/band. Honestly, I think being a younger face of the program has helped a lot. We have energized our recruitment music and have shown a lot more enthusiasm for the program. Luckily, my band and orchestra colleagues have been great- we have a Fine Arts team approach to recruitment. Sure, we'd all like the students to choose our program, but at the end of the day, what's most important is that the students end up in Fine Arts. Choir 3C 5A Gender-specific classes Gender split classes, guys get to be with the guys and girls don't have to deal with silly boys. Choir 3C 6A Include some younger students in contest choir. Perform for elem and choir members explain the benefits. 1. I teach a small group of talented 6th graders UIL contest music and include them in my contest choir. Usually 100% of these students enroll in choir after this experience. 2. I plan a pops concert for 5th and 6th graders that feature my choir kids explaining why choir is fun and rewarding. Choir 2C 5A Instrument demonstration Instrument test every student, regardless of interest Instrument testing Instrument testing every student Invite/include 5th graders to every performance, a few social events I start visiting them as early as I can. Early in the fall, I host a Musical Instrument Petting Zoo where the 5th graders can hear our students play something on their instrument, and then they have a chance to come up and hold, play and tryout the instruments for themselves. In December, we visit the elementary schools again and present our Holiday music. During the Spring, We hold auditions for their instruments, and if they audition and have all the necessary paperwork for us, they get a free shirt that states that they are Future members of our band program. Band 2C 6A We test ALL 5th graders in the district on the instruments. Many students are afraid to even try. This eliminates that obstacle and shows them that they can make a sound on an instrument. This has helped us raise our numbers by approximately 20 students each year. Band 2C 5A Better instrument testing practices. Every student considering band is individually assessed by 4 directors divided by specialty. Getting students on the instrument that fits them best has enhanced the program in a number of ways including student success and ownership. Band 2C 4A We test and talk to every 5th grade student. We can eliminate misinformation, give the student guidance for their options and let them see how fun playing an instrument can be. We have had several students that have become our best Band kids that were not going to do it. After trying out, they all basically said "Wow, Band is going to be fun. I'm doing this." Band 2C 4A We invited all of the 5th graders (6th graders can choose their elective once they get to middle school) to come to every single performance, even a few social events throughout the year. Orchestra 2C 5A page 4 of 35

5 Meet with students individually who expressed interest on choice sheet. Bus elem to MS to do a rotation through all fine arts classes MS students responsible for planning and doing the elem recruiting, allow students to try instruments; social events Our recruitment went from 198 across 4 middle schools to over 500 for two 6th grade campuses. The change was more teachers going at a team to each campus and interviewing every kid who put band on their choice sheet as their 1,2,3 choice. We got some kids to change minds to 1,2 choice. We also bused all the elementary campuses to each HS and they did a fine arts rotation through all the subject areas. That boosted participation in fine arts overall. Band 2C 5A During our 5th grade roundup I gave my 7th and 8th grade students more responsibility. We have a meeting about a month before the roundup to discuss ideas and they completely plan it and do most of the talking. Choir 3C 5A When we do our recruitment pitch, we bring our high school rock band (made up of high school band members) to perform a mini-concert. We also show potential members photos and videos of performances and trips to increase interest. We promote the experience that band provides, over simply learning to play an instrument. Band 2C 4A I started taking my top band to perform at the elementary schools in December each year. They play holiday music and get the 5th graders excited about band. Then I go back again in March with some of my top beginner students to demonstrate each instrument. They play popular music and I make a point to tell them that these students were in their shoes just one year ago. This increased my beginner numbers by 154%! Band 3C 6A I have a concert with my current orchestra students for the perspective students. The students attending the concert get to try the instruments playing the D and A string. (I and V chords) I play a fiddle piece while they play along. Many get excited that they can play the instrument in a very short amount of time. I also feel like fun activities that I've done like Skate or movie nights have helped. Many join to be part of a class where they are with friends. Orchestra 3C 5A. Advocacy materials 1. Marketing the program 2. Advocacy materials were used to create a music advocacy website for our school. 3. Our music programs do a performance tour of the elementary schools. Choir 2C 6A I made a sample schedule graduation plan entitled "How to take CHOIR from 6th-12th grade." It includes several different variations of schedules and shows how to take choir + athletics, choir + HS credits, etc. We do an electives presentation for the 5th grade where band performs, choir es. Provide sample plans for how to performs, and a few other elective teachers speak. Unfortunately, we do not perform for the 6th grade presentation. The counselors speak and the teachers speak but there are no performances. stay in the progrm throughout HS We also do a couple 6th-12th grade choir events/performances throughout the year. Choir 3C 6A page 5 of 35

6 Presentation about value and fun in the program Publicize succes & fun; social I do my best to educate students and parents at the elementary level how choir in junior high is different than choir in fifth grade. I created a beautiful brochure with photos and data about the benefits of being in choir and the differences that students get to experience at the junior high level. I also make a point to discuss these differences at our fifth grade recruiting tour. We have a very successful choir program, and I had always held the belief that "success breeds growth." Unfortunately, success is not enough to grow a program. It requires creativity, thinking outside the box, and advocating for the benefits of our choir program and choir as a skill. Choir 3C 6A events Took pictures of incoming 5th graders and made a poster specifically to hang in that elementary Band 3C 6A Publicize succes & fun; social events This is our first year, so these are the things I've done. My 6th graders go to a fun contest at NRH2O and we really talk it up and our principal makes announcements. It's a big deal. I am all over those 5th graders every chance I get. They have to walk by my room all the time to get to their side of the buillding. I have pictures up of all of our fun and we have a "Wall of Fame" outside for our students who get 100's on their sightreading tests. I have different activities for the kids throughout the year. Guys night out, Girls night out, hot chocolate social, ice cream social, Main Event Contest for 7th & 8th graders. Tons of social stuff, seems to have really helped. Choir 1C 2A Recruitment video to show at elem visit. Teach elem students basics during recruit visit. In the past two years, I have changed my recruitment tactic. At first I was just bringing my students over to the Elementary school to perform, but changed my mind after one year. Kids wanted to actually know me and needed to experience a real Middle School choir experience. The Elementary school in my area has a choir and... I'll just say, kids are nervous to join because of their current choir experiences. So, instead, I've made a recruitment video that my kids help me create, I take one day off of school and visit all the 5th grade music classes and have a choir day. I teach them a few of our warm ups (I let my current students choose which ones I should display), teach them one of our "fun" warm up songs, do a mini presentation about me (build the relationship early), let them ask questions about me, show a video of my current students saying why they are in choir (I let my students record and make the video themselves), show the recruitment video and then last minute questions! Sounds like a lot, but at the end of this year, my 6th grade number alone is at 65 students. Which is still up from the previous year. I am going into my 4th year of teaching and the amount I put in this year really changed things. Choir 2C 4A page 6 of 35

7 Schedule The best thing to help recruitment has been to open up the schedule to allow students to take both band and choir. Before we would have good kids who had to choose and it hurt the numbers in both programs. Now the students can be in both and the numbers of students in both is growing steadily. Choir 3C 5A Schedule a zero hour class for students who can't fit it in. Perform at elem campus. Combined performance. social activities...because of the challenge stated above I offer a zero period course to serve students that are unable to take it in the regular school day. I recruit at all area elementary schools. Each year we prepare an eclectic program and perform a short tour for all 4-6th graders at our feeder schools. I keep in communication with my feeder teachers and invite them to all concerts, events etc... I invite all incoming 6th graders to perform a combined concert on our middle school campus. At the end of the concert we all combine for a final performance piece. I make certificates for all 6th grade participants. I send down flyers to all elementary programs that talks about our program. I am part of an electives fair we have yearly that recruits orchestra students to my program. I set up a booth with information and have students sign up and provide information. I have a small ensemble perform during the event. I give any extra orchestra shirts to each elementary feeder to give to first students who sign up for orchestra etc... Orchestra 3C 5A We tried a social this year, where we had each 6th grade choir student invite a friend they thought would be a good fit for choir. Each 6th grade choir student was responsible for bringing either chips, cookies, or a 2 liter soda to share, so it cost us nearly nothing. We had board games scattered around on cafeteria tables, as well as butcher paper on the tables and markers available for "grafitti." We played dance videos and music, and we had one or two structured games for whomever wanted to participate. It lasted about 2 hours, and we took the opportunity to meet all of the guests and talk to them about choir. We gained students, and also RETAINED many of our 6th graders - especially BOYS!! Choir 3C 5A We use social media a lot; Our students are obsessed with Instagram, so we document every fun Social Media to promote program event and post several pictures every week of the fun things we do in band class. We post a lot fun of"check us out on Instagram" posters around the Middle School and Elementary School campuses. Band 2C 4A Strings summer camp for younger students to experience I all local orchestra teachers/directors at private and public schools in the area, reminding them to recommend my school as a great place for their students to continue. I also offer a strings summer camp at my school where local younger students can see our program. Finally, I have even required all incoming seventh graders to play a stringed instrument for about 6 weeks during a lunch time enrichment unit. The time I did that yielded the greatest results; it was just too much program work to do every year. Orchestra 2C 4A page 7 of 35

8 Students recruit feeder students I have my current students write a letter to 5th graders interested in choir. It's a hand written letter, decorated and delivered to the 5th grader at the elementary school. The small social I have throughout the year help recruit 7th and 8th graders who see the fun my students are having, and see our successes at UIL. Choir 3C 6A I try to make the 7th and 8th grade choral experience different enough from 6th grade that it feels Unique experience in upper level classes new to the kids. More student choice, more small group and individual projects, and of course more difficult and interesting music. Also I really try to forge strong relationships in 6th grade. Choir 2C 6A Visit feeder campus The best recruitment has been when I can visit each 5th grade music class individually with 2-3 current orchestra students who went to that school and can demonstrate their instrument. Orchestra 2C 6A work with administrators We pushed for our campus leadership to stop requiring every 6th grader to take a leadership and study skills class, which freed them up to choose two electives. Band 3C 6A Worked with counselors in advising students to delay PE I have worked with our counselors and parents about delaying taking PE until 7th grade Band 3C 6A Alternate music ensembles The high school program has a fiddle group that plays various genres of music and they recruit with us playing popular music and showcasing each instrument. Orchestra 2C 5A Assist feeder teachers I team teach at the elementary school one day a week, attend elementary concerts, bring a performance group over, perform at our 5th grade sneak peak night Choir 2C 6A Build relationships I think the biggest thing that improves recruitment is personal interest in a student. Letting them know that you want THEM as an individual in the program. Choir 3C 6A Combined performance with elementary I always Invite the 5th grade choirs to sing on a concert. They sing a number or two alone and then one with us. We also have a rehearsal before with pizza. I also make sure I get to an elementary choir rehearsal at least once a month. So they know my face! Choir 2C 6A Director visibility Visiting all elementary schools and passing out choir shirts to those who are enrolling in choir, also gender specific events - guys night out and girls night in Choir 2C 5A Director visibility Be involved at your feeder schools, so students and parents see your program often and in a good light. Perform for almost anything you are asked to do, and offer suggestions for other times you could play. Work for equal numbers of students on stage in recruiting concerts where one group will play right after another. Orchestra 3C 6A Director visibility + boot camp Being visible in the 6th grade campus. We do combined concerts, and I do a "boot camp" at the start of the year for incoming 7th graders that culminates in a pool party Choir 2C 5A Feeder students go to secondary program There was a time when there was an Elementary school with a violin program. Their teacher would bring the violin students over and they would have a chance to sit in on my classes and then ask me questions. Orchestra 2C 6A page 8 of 35

9 Instrument demonstration Giving short demonstrations on my own instrument when I went around to the schools helped. As well as a brief presentation that was lead by the actual orchestra students as to what their instrument is called and what it can do. Orchestra 2C 4A Instrument demonstration by students I had my students demonstrate the differences between the instruments. I was told by my latest recruitment class that this helped them choose their instrument almost immediately. Orchestra 2C 5A Instrument test every student, regardless of interest We test all 5th graders regardless if they had plans to be in band or not. We've seen an increase in enrollment because of this. Band 2C 4A Instrument testing before choice signup We began my first year at this school to test ALL the incoming 5th grade students BEFORE the counselor spoke with them about class choices, and then sent home a note letting parents know that followup information would be forthcoming. Once students submitted their choice sheets, everyone who put band 1 or 2 on the sheet (we allow two electives in 6th grade) receives a welcome packet to the band program with placement information. Students who do not receive placement information are then dealt with on a case-by-case basis, with the prerequisite for receiving placement info being a change of elective priority. Band 2C 4A We changed our recruiting format by speaking to only those students coming to our school and Limit discussions to students who letting them choose their top 3 choices of instruments before going through A short audition by express interest tescher and hold the instrument. Band 2C 5A Mail postcard to all 5th graders We sent postcards out with our logo out to every 5th grader in the district which seemed to help. The success of our high school and middle school programs helps recruiting. Band 2C 4A Make it fun Parent communication This age is so fickle in terms to "what elective is really cool at my school." I'm about to tell you two things that I did this year that seemed to elevate our choir numbers in a significant way. One was to do a Carpool Karaoke video from our choir cluster (the two JH choir directors and the high school directors). We published it on YouTube, singing songs that the students know are current hits. The second was me doing cartwheels during my 5th grade recruitment visit. I had 6 sections of 5th graders, and did 6 cartwheels at the insistence of my Varsity members who advised me that this would really excite the incoming 6th graders. Apparently it did. Choir 3C 6A Talking to as many parents in person as possible at open house and instrument nights, and following up with them after we have met. Band 3C 6A Played concerts for the school-mixing pop music into my small instrumentation as best I can. Also adding novelty pieces to the drum line- much audience appreciation with this. People are starting to acknowledge the students' abilities. Young students now shout hellos to me by name. I just completed my second year and we have at least 10 students next year with the goal to find at least 5 more. Band 1C 2A page 9 of 35

10 School wide assemblies have worked well in the past. If could get the beginner band play for the 5th graders, they see how much fun it it is and will want to become part of the program. We also have a great deal of fun and the kids really enjoy class. They recruit by saying how much they like it and kid want to be a part of it. Band 3C 5A We try to perform for our elementary campuses as much as possible throughout the year. We host a joint concert with our Wind Ensemble, Varsity Mixed Choir, and High School Jazz Band where we bus all of the 5th grade students to our campus that will be joining us the following year and perform for them. We also try to take smaller ensembles to each campus throughout the year in order to stay visible. Band 2C 6A I recruit to the audience. If I am presenting to 4th graders, current choir students sing songs that are appealing and/or incorporate the audience. I also teach the 4th graders a song that the current choir members sing as assistants to the 4th graders. Choir 2C 5A throughout year. Assist feeder with private lessons Advertising! But not the paid kind. We have recruitment tours that travel during Christmas and Spring to our feeder elementary schools where we talk about being in band and the fun opportunities that are available. I spend a few days a week at our feeder intermediate schools (5-6) to work private lessons and small groups for those musicians. The more visual and positive your program is the greater turn out you'll have from year to year. Many of our students are geared for "instant gratification" so if your program is not "fun and frequent" then they won't be bothered to care. Band 3C 6A, communicate with stduents We do an elementary tour, send out a christmas card, send out letters and cards to every 5th grader. Band 2C 5A -- combine perf with band/orch/choir; Fine arts showcase Each year, the band, choir, and orchestra does an elementary school "tour" in December that allows us to showcase our musical groups and makes kids excited to see their future opportunities. In addition, 5th graders attend a Fine Arts Showcase in the spring (February), to gain a better understanding of the options. The band program always attempts to showcase every instrument as well as perform popular music that excites. Band 3C 5A Presentation about value and fun We did a slide show about all the other aspects about band: the family atmosphere, making lifelong in the program friends, and having fun at after school events, etc... Band 1C 3A Recruit friends of existing members I talk to students who are friends of choir kids and encourage them to join. This has been fairly successful as I have had many students join choir to be with friends. Choir 2C 6A page 10 of 35

11 Recruitment activities are yearround We have a pretty good system in place. 1. We bring students to perform football music for the the elementary school's "Walk to School" day in October. 2. We take the top band to perform a Winter Concert in December. 3. We schedule a time to go to give the "Selmer Guidance Survey" in January. 4. We set up a "Meet the Instruments" day in February. 5. Continue contact through choice sheet time. Band 3C 6A Recruitment video Recruitment video School instruments; education on fine arts throughout HS Selecting strong male students to model interest. Students recruit feeder students Students recruit feeder students Students recruit feeder students Changed format of our recruiting presentation/pep talk. This year I also created a video after having filmed many different events and activities from the previous year so as I discussed "choir on steroids in 7th grade" they could see the video which had all the things I was talking about. Choir 3C 5A We make a video interviewing kids and highlighting all the fun things we do. It helps kids to hear from other kids about why they love the class Orchestra 2C 6A We try to provide instruments on an as needed basis for families that qualify for free and reduced lunch and have a true financial hardship. We also try to educate parents on the benefits of participation in a strong music program. Our district fine arts team created a 7 year plan showing how band can fit in with any endorsement with or without athletics and how students can still achieve a Distinguished Level of Achievement with multiple endorsements. Band 3C 6A Had a couple of really strong guys that were respected - this helped vastly with increasing male numbers in MS - had them on "my side" At recruitment rally, showing off the basses was a good thing. Social functions and a high profile program was very beneficial. Choir 3C 6A Being in a small school, I have the luxury of having my TFME students at the high school come down to the intermediate and demonstrate the instrument and talk a little about their experience in band - (about a minute or two). Band 1C 4A Bring a friend to choir night (pizza night with friends), elementary visits, Fine Arts fair & concert (incoming 5th graders come to the campus and watch ensembles perform). Choir 3C 6A I do challenges involving food, which I know is risky. I give my current students 2 weeks to recruit 50 new students and if they do, I buy my entire program doughnuts out of my own pocket. They get really excited about it and it's worked 3 years in a row. Choir 3C 6A page 11 of 35

12 Students recruit feeder students Visit elem campus; Build relationships; schedule social events Visit elem campuses; perform for them "jazzy lunches" Visit feeder campus Ability-based ensembles Accompany counselor to classes when choice sheets are givent We held an end of the year recruitment party. It doubled as a way to celebrate the accomplishments of our current boys choir and served to demistify the act of singing for new boys, making choir more enticing. Details about invitation: My students were given two tickets each to present to a peer whom they think would help improve our choir. They had to keep in mind behavior issues, participation in other classes, and an interest for music. Friends aren't always the best project partners... Agenda was as follows: Rules, procedures and timeline for the event is presented. -Talk, Basketball, Paperwork, Food Introduction of directors You CAN do sports and choir at the same time Who can/can't sing. Men that sing! Summary of why voice cracks and group activity (we all crack on purpose) Competitions: Solo & Ensemble, Region Choir, Pre- UIL/UIL, Festival, Trophies, Badges, Field Trips Basketball in big gym 30min Letters home to parents explaining advantages of pursuing musical studies, an outline of the typical choral program experience at our school, and signature at bottom indicating parent and student's interest in bringing choir into the child's schedule next year. Food Summary/Questions/Dismissal Choir 3C 6A 1) Going to visit 5th grade music classes before elective sheets for next year are due. - Spoke to class before listening to/getting to know students in groups of 3-4; built up excitement of choir class by discussing missing school for tours and big trips; sent home letters about 6th grade choir 2) Have an overnight trip to DFW area for JH groups every few years Choir 3C 5A Getting out to the elementary schools that feed our intermediate schools gets the students excited early and helps when I come by to see them for 5th grade to sign up for 6th grade beginning band. We also have the high school and middle school jazz bands go to the intermediate (5th and 6th grade) campus multiple times throughout the year to do "Jazzy Lunches" gets them familiar with us and the instruments and when it's time to choose an elective they are already excited and know what to expect. Band 3C 6A We began recruiting in December this year, rather than March. We made more visits to our feeder campuses and gave students more time to get to know us and learn about what band is through performances, question/answer sessions, and videos. Band 2C 6A Got the district level supervisor involved. Showed data on how many kids I should have had vs how many I actually got (should have had 140, had 84). Took in a recording of my worst group singing and juxtaposed that with our UIL recording. Being able to tell kids that they will be in a choir with other kids on their level (or their gender) makes a big difference. Choir 3C 6A This past year, my assistant went with the guidance counselor to each of our feeders when choice sheets were handed out and discussed. Her presence on this day certainly helped encourage students to elect band. Band 2C 5A page 12 of 35

13 Alternate music ensembles Assist at feeders This year, the 6th grade band consisted of every student in the 6th grade except for about 20 students in art. In order to promote the choir program, I started teaching in the morning for 30 minutes before school. We consistently had about 35 students come and sing. We presented a concert at the end of the semester to the Intermediate school. I feel that I will have these 4th and 5th graders hooked on choir, by the time they arrive at making choices for 6th grade. Choir 2C 4A The head middle school director really made it a point to go to the elementary schools as often as possible to develop a rapport with the students. This helped give the students a familiarity with what they would experience in middle school band. Band 2C 5A Assist feeder teacher We teach the 4th and 5th grade music classes Band 1C 2A Assist feeder teachers For the past three years, I have been able to go to the 6th grade campus to help. I am able to talk to the students about the next level, what to expect, and what challenges they will encounter. We have seen an increase in numbers for the past three years. Band 3C 6A Assist feeder teachers Made myself more visible at the intermediate and sat in classes with the General Music s. Band 2C 4A Assist feeder teachers Our adminstration allowed the band staff to teach the 5th grade music class, which allowes us to reteach fundamentals, try out students on instruments, and demonstrate that music can be a quite enjoyable part of their education experience. Band 1C 3A Assist feeder teachers Connections with elementary teachers Choir 2C 5A Assist feeder teachers Our 6th graders are in the elementary schools. I changed my schedule on my campus to allow me to go to the elementary schools during their 6th grade music time so that I can start building relationships with the students so that they know who I am and are more likely to choose my subject (choir) when picking their electives for 7th grade. Choir 3C 6A Assist feeder teachers Being present at our feeder elementary choir concerts as helped. The students learn my name and face and a little bit of connection to who the orchestra director is. I also remind the students in the orchestra program to also "recruit" by telling their friends in elementary school about the program and what their experience has been in orchestra. Hearing it from a student is much more impacting than from the teacher. Orchestra 2C 5A Assist feeder teachers One unique thing for my situation is that we have a 5th grade strings class in my district. About half of my 6th graders were in that class, and about half start out as beginners in 6th grade. I get to go out and visit the elementary classes, and help out when I can there. Orchestra 3C 6A page 13 of 35

14 Assist feeder teachers in classroom One of our assistant directors as gone to every elementary numerous times and has even tested the students for placement in the beginner bands. Band 3C 5A I try to make myself available to work with the elementary choirs during the year through one of Assist feeder teachers throughout their performances so that they can meet me. I also co-direct our districts elementary honor choir the year so some of those students are recruited into the middle school program. Choir 3C 5A Assist feeder teachers throughout year. Recruiting concert by all music programs. Athlete-musicians talk about success in both with students I have arranged my schedule to being able to visit these schools during their choir times. I also directed the district Elementary Honor Choir this spring. Our campus does a "recruitment" concert where band, choir and orchestra perform for the incoming 6th graders so they see "what it's like". Choir 3C 5A Have examples from students who talk with the younger students about success in athletics and band. Band 1C 3A Athlete-musicians talk about success in both with students We have a very successful program and we have the older students and the high school students that are in band and sports come and visit the younger kids. Band 2C 5A Audition at elem and MS campus to offer flexibility we have tried auditioning kids at the elementary campus and at our campus, flexibility Band 3C 6A Build relationships First you have to personable with the kids when doing the instrument demos. Recruiting concerts are always good as well. And then you share all the fun things the band gets to do. Band 2C 3A Build relationships I have only tried to get students more involved and excited to try band by building relationships with them. This has helped ease their pain of being in a class they don't belong in. Band 2C 2A Build relationships Interacting with the kids outside of band class and getting to know them before instrument tryouts. Band 1C 1A Build relationships Talk to kids. One on one, in big groups, and small groups. Kids want to feel wanted - I let them know that they are very special to our program. Fun trips! Successful year! (UIL competitions) Band 2C 4A Build relationships We did our best to set stricter limits on our budget so we have more room to help kids out next year, we made it clear that our goal is for students to enjoy learning about music in our class, and most of all we got face time with every single 5th graders that will step foot on our campus next year as 6th graders. That personal connection is crucial to building your initial trust and bond with your students. Band 2C 6A Build relationships Build relationships with elementary music teachers Band 2C 5A page 14 of 35

15 Build relationships Honestly it's trying to take the time to see kids face to face. Our jazz band goes on mini- tours also. Band 2C 5A I have begun working with the elementary students so they know who I am and how much fun Build relationships music can be. Band 1C 1A Build relationships I built relationships with the kids and made them recruit for me by word of mouth to siblings and friends not in choir. I also had to be a little lax and informal in my management to ensure a fun atmosphere (though still structured). This tripled my guy's choir for this upcoming year by doing these simple things. Choir 2C 5A Build relationships Building relationships. I try to host things like a social with each ensemble in the beginning of the year to begin building the relationship with the students. Choir 2C 6A Build relationships Just building rapport with my students. They know that I am interested in more than just their singing ability. Choir 2C 3A Combined performance with elementary Hosting joint concerts with elementary feeders and encouraging those feeders to attend middle school performances has boosted interest before students arrive in middle school. Choir 2C 4A Combined performance with elementary Vertical alignment concerts- elementary feeders, our school's varsity choirs, and students from the high school perform a concert together. Choir 2C 6A Combined performance with elementary; visibility Concerts with the HS, special performances, more face time at the elementary schools. Band 3C 6A Combined performances Vertical performances... Elementary, middle, and high school performing together and for each other. Choir 3C 6A Combined performances We sing the National Anthem with the ElementryBoys, Middle School Boys, & High School the first 3 weeks in August. Choir 3C 6A Communication with parents I don't know of one specific thing, but sometimes sending letters to parents helps, and also being proactive in 7th grade, and being available if they want to switch back to Orchestra has also brought me several more students. Orchestra 3C 6A Concerts, instrument demo, mail letters/brochure Concerts for 4th and 5th graders, instrument petting zoo at fall festival and mailing out brochures and letters to entire 5th grade student body. Band 2C 4A Director visibility Make ourselves visible to the students. Band 2C 6A Director visibility We have taken as many performance opportunities as possible in the community. The more visible we are, the more word spreads about the success of our program. Band 2C 6A Director visibility Be visible at the elementary schools. Just going and hanging out with the kids so that they see you and know who you are. Band 2C 6A page 15 of 35

16 Director visibility Director visibility Director visibility Director visibility Director visibility Director visibility Having a presence in the elementary helps. Such as going over to present the instruments during the 5th grade music class when they have instrument lesson. Band 3C 6A Having strong vertical alignment, and a strong community presence so the high school is very visible in the community which helps the middle school program plenty. Band 3C 5A I am fortunate to be able to be visible at the elementary campuses that feed my school. I have a great relationship wtih the music teachers on those campuses and use that to help me. Band 3C 5A I have tried to be as visible as possible within the student body. Primarily that means that I MC all of the pep rallies, and I try to have a positive vibe when out and about in the hallway. Choir 2C 6A I attended school events: school dances, school lunches, sports games, dodgeball tournaments--i showed up and talked to my own students there. The more visible you are to students, the more they'll remember you and join your program. Choir 3C 6A To improve recruitment, I did several events throughout the school year including ice cream parties for the football team, attending sporting events, student recruiting incentives, helping with math night, and working breakfast duty! Choir 3C 6A Director visibility 1. Visit the schools early and make myself visible to the incoming band students a year before they join. 2. Be visible at their events. 3. Communicate with their parents. 4. Visit with your campus counselors quite often to make sure the students can join your beginner classes. Mariachi 3C 5A Director visibility We travel to the feeder school and talk to students as a group as well as one-on-one. We go to the 5/6 campus to work with students in small groups. We offer hang-out time in order for students to build relationships - and those times are phone free times. Orchestra 3C 6A Director visibility; do multiple I make sure I make contact with counselors from the elementary schools. I make our program know and send to them recruiting packets so they may disperse them to 5th grade students. I also make it out to the elementary campus with our band, perform for them and pass out the same packet that we send to the counselors. I then make it back out to the elementary schools and hand out reminder notes about upcoming instrument try-outs for all students enrolled in the band recruiting efforts through the year program. Band 3C 6A Director visiblity We try to be visible at the elementary, specifically performing at Christmas, in the Spring, at pep rallies, etc. Band 1C 3A page 16 of 35

17 Distribute cups to each incoming student with program logo. Use list of GT students to contact those not participating. I passed out cups that had the orchestra logo on it to the incoming 5th graders at the recruitment concert. Our numbers were much higher this year. I have gotten the GT lists from counselors and found out which students did not sign up for any performing arts elective. I then personally speak to each student and parent and tell them how much orchestra will help them. Orchestra 3C 5A Educate students about requirements We tell the 5th graders when we visit their elementary schools that they can do any combination of activities and band, as well as provide examples of successful athletes from our community who were in band all through high school. Band 2C 5A Educate students about requirements I have had to work a little harder to explain to students what their extra curricular options are. Mariachi 2C 5A Feeder students go to secondary program We bring every 5th grader to the JH for a concert, then have a petting zoo at each campus. Band 3C 5A Feeder students go to secondary program Given access to Elementary Day where future students walk through and tour our school for a day Choir 3C 6A Field trips Field trips. Houston Symphony, Houston Rodeo, HISD band festival with lunch at Fuddruckers and the biggest trip is to Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels. Once they get into band they want t stay - if schedule allows. Band 3C 4A Field trips Fun trips/performance opportunities. Teach the strange and unusual facts about various composers. Band 1C 1A Field trips Have a GOOD trip in the Spring + several small festivals. Band 2C 5A Field trips Offer several incentives, especially beginner students. For example over night out of town trip Band 2C 6A Field trips We have started promising field trips for the band students, a trick used by our STEM program. Band 2C 5A Field trips During the day field trips. Choir 3C 6A Field trips Field trips and school performances Choir 2C 6A Field trips Travel more without the other electives with us. Choir 3C 5A Financial Aid Received a grant by Holland Opus grant and receive donations to send students to attend band camps throughout the country. These funds also pay to bring in clinicians on certain instruments. Band 3C 6A page 17 of 35

18 Financial Aid We do not supply instruments for ALL students, but we have purchased alot of used horns for children that are not able to get a horn. Band 1C 3A Fine arts team approach The high school Fine Arts Department does a Holiday Tour to all the Elementaries in our cluster to help bolster recruitment. We also tour our two main feeder middle schools as well. Band 3C 4A Fine arts team approach Recruit from/share with band, orchestra, and art: I have gone to elementary campuses for end of year recrutiment and during the year to meet the students, but did not see a measureable difference in quality or quantity of students joining my program. The thing that has helped is to get to know the students in the Fine Arts building at our campus throughout the year and recruit from those students for 7th/8th grade. Choir 2C 6A Fine arts team approach Team teaching is the most effective. If you have built a relationship with your Junior High kiddos they are much more likely to be a part of your High School program. The same is true of the Junior High director going over to our Middle School. Choir 2C 5A Fine arts team approach Traveling to the elementary schools with our other fine arts and showing a small demonstration, having a short performance at our 5th grade visit day where the 6th grade choirs perform, and conducting our district Honor Choir. Choir 3C 5A Fine arts team approach We have the opportunity (band, choir, orchestra) to go to the elementary schools to introduce the instruments and talk about our programs. Orchestra 3C 5A Flexibility I give them a choice of which events other than UIL that they can compete in. Choir 1C 6A Great Strings in 5th grade helped 5th Great Strings helps a lot. And I was sure to teach it myself. I know this is an option to teach every feeder school, however, I did as much as I could. Also, making the curriculum fun and accessible for all kids helps keep them in once they've joined. I also have kids help me recruit. I get a lot of siblings and students but word-of-mouth. Orchestra 3C 6A Instrument demonstration Band Instrument demonstration for all the 5th grs. Band 3C 6A Instrument demonstration Recently our district has allowed us into the elementary schools to share information with the 5 th graders and demonstrate what they sound like, answer questions and even try to produce a sound. This year we went from 73 to 106. Band 2C 6A instrument demonstration We are able to talk with our 5th graders in small groups and introduce them to the band instruments. We then, gauge interest and begin screening, for instrument placement before the end of the year. Band 1C 3A page 18 of 35