More to Start, Fewer to Quit: Summer Tips to Recruit, Retain & Recharge Your Program
As the school year winds down, music educators everywhere are shifting their focus toward summer planning and preparation for the year ahead. In this edition of More to Start, Fewer to Quit (MSFQ), Craig Aarhus, Associate Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Mississippi State University, shares practical strategies for recruiting new students, strengthening retention through student leadership, and maintaining a sustainable, balanced approach to success. Whether you’re a seasoned director or just starting out, these timely tips offer valuable guidance to help your music program thrive.
Recruitment
As the school year winds down, this is a great time to make detailed plans for next year’s beginning band class. For programs that recruit in early fall, go ahead and get your recruitment dates on the school calendar. Reach out to local music dealers who partner with you so they can help get students set with instruments. Contact area colleagues and, if available, music education majors from nearby colleges to assist with instrument placement for your new students. You might also consider sending a small ensemble to your elementary school for a short performance, which is a simple way to generate excitement about joining the band.
If you are a new or young teacher, connect with an experienced director in your area to make sure your recruitment process is on the right track. These decisions shape the future of your program, and veteran colleagues can offer valuable insight to help you do your best work.
Remember to “sell the experience” of band. It’s not just about learning an instrument. It’s also about the unique opportunities that students get to enjoy: travel, games, performances, friendships, and leadership roles.
And finally, keep communication clear and consistent with parents. They are key partners in helping students take the first step into your program.
Retention
Summer is an ideal time to reflect on how your student leaders contribute to your program. If your leadership development process needs a refresh, think about how you can use your team more effectively next year. Bringing in a local leader (a colleague, community figure, or even a former student) to work with your group before band camp can set a positive tone for the year.
Look for ways to give your leadership team more ownership. Sometimes the best ideas come simply from asking students what they think would help their sections or the band as a whole. Many of them have strong instincts but need direction to put their ideas into action. As an example, if a task doesn’t require your direct involvement, consider whether a student leader could take it on to help the program run more smoothly.
Ownership plays a major role in long-term retention. When students feel like they are genuinely involved in the direction of the program (student “involved,” not student “run”), they tend to become more invested in your goals and vision for the band program.
Finally, consider how you can highlight student work throughout the year. Section spotlights, “most improved” acknowledgments, or quick shout outs during rehearsal help students feel seen and reinforce that their efforts matter.
Success
Just as music needs moments of rest, so do we. Over the summer, give yourself permission to step back from work when you can. In the search for work/life balance, it’s easy to stay glued to our responsibilities even when it isn’t absolutely necessary. While you can’t ignore essential tasks necessary to preparing for the upcoming year, intentionally carving out time for yourself, your family, and your mental health will make a clear difference when the fall semester arrives.
Think about how this mindset can carry into the school year. What tasks can you delegate? How can you protect time for yourself once the schedule becomes busy again? By planning now, you set yourself up to maintain healthier habits and a more sustainable pace when the school year begins.
About MSFQ
Standing for “More to Start, Fewer to Quit,” MSFQ is an open-source, monthly email brought to you by the Music Achievement Council. Each month, this free resource will feature a recruiting idea, retention idea, and tip for success for music educators. The goal is to provide timely and impactful ideas that allow educators to grow their programs by recruiting new students and retaining current students.
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