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This issue of the More to Start, Fewer to Quit (MSFQ) tips comes from Edward F. Read through what you have listed throughout the semester and again before starting the next school year

This edition of the More to Start, Fewer to Quit (MSFQ) tips is written by Don Stinson, Director of Bands A personal recommendation is far more persuasive than any flyer or email. If they see firsthand how music impacts students, they’re more likely to support your program when scheduling Mentor” (teaching younger students), or “Performer” (ensemble leadership). • Let Students Choose: At the start

This edition of the More to Start, Fewer to Quit (MSFQ) tips is written by Dr. Spring is often the time of year when the next year’s class of beginners starts to take shape. As you prepare to move into the summer months, consider adding this element of instruction to your program It need not be a large investment at first, as it can start simple and grow over time. Investing in training like this will empower your student leaders to have more “buy in” heading into

This month's MSFQ tips come from David F. Eccles, Orchestra Program and Upper School Director, The Lovett School in Atlanta, Georgia. RECRUITMENT TIPS Orchestra Signing Day In this season of sports and academic committing events, create your own Orchestra Signing Day for incoming students. A quick visit to spring rehearsals with cool welcome certificates, welcome letters from student orchestra leadership, and some orchestra swag will show future students that they are entering a dynamic and welcoming organization. RETENTION TIPS Vision Box Begin by having your students write a reflection on the things that they've accomplished this year. The reflections don't have to be in full sentences they could be a simple bulleted list or marked list. On another card or sheet of paper, have them write stream-of-consciousness notes to themselves about their technical, social, or leadership goals for orchestra next year. Next, have them put this written reflection in the Vision Box. Create a ritual of storing those goals away over the summer in a safe place so that they can be ready to be read by the students when they return in the fall. SUCCESS TIPS If you’re like me, your music library can be the bane of your existence. Make sure your music library is clean and organized to begin the next year. Students are hungry for community service hours this time of year. Consider offering those students in your program the opportunity to earn community service time by helping you organize the music library. Wishing you and your students all the best! David F. Eccles (he/him/his) The Lovett School Upper School Orchestra Director Orchestra Program Director

This issue of the More to Start, Fewer to Quit (MSFQ) tips comes from Marcia Neel, senior director of Parents are more likely to encourage their students to continue if they already know the music teacher It has been found that those students who are more actively engaged in retention efforts themselves tend

This issue of the More to Start, Fewer to Quit (MSFQ) tips comes from Dr. Charles T. RECRUITMENT TIPS Prior to the start of the school year, finalize your preparations for recruiting.

This issue of the More to Start, Fewer to Quit (MSFQ) tips comes from Dr. important information about instrument testing, instrument rental, and other needed supplies for the start If your recruiting will take place after the school year begins, plan to bring along more experienced You could also have your more experienced students play a fun, ensemble piece together or the school To get started, determine which events on your approved calendar might warrant good publicity and share

If you need more violas, make sure you get them to pose with a viola or two! If you haven’t already, create a social media page and start posting pictures and videos from this past The more that students love what they play, the more they will want to KEEP playing! Amp up your pacing so that no student is bored or unengaged. Limit announcements to 2 minutes max. Create a handout that asks students to complete 5 sentence stems that start with, “Music makes the difference

These are your school’s musical all-stars.

There are lots of big and small ways to get your students more involved in your rehearsals, and the impact older students to coach younger, less-experienced students and nurture peer mentor relationships The more students are vested in your program and culture, the more they'll get out of their music experience.

Be sure to start your recruiting process now. When students move from elementary to middle school or middle school to high school, many new forces Final touches can be helpful; however, more will be learned when students and directors are still malleable

Some of my most dedicated players were the ones who started late. RETENTION TIPS More Than Just Keeping Count I keep a “Feel Good File.” More concerts, more notes handed out, and a tradition was created. One sophomore nearly quit but stayed after a heartfelt note on their program. Selfishly, though, the notes were getting more cumbersome to write.