#79. Triple The Size Of Your Ensemble!

I bet that title caught your attention, and that you’re probably thinking what follows is an idea about recruiting. Nope. Have you ever worried that the parents and family members of your students don’t really understand what you do – or maybe even more important – what their children are doing in band, chorus or orchestra? I often wonder if any lack of support for music instruction may simply be the byproduct of those adults not understanding what happens in our ensembles. Try having an open rehearsal where you add two extra chairs around every student’s seat in your ensemble set up. And every student can invite two special people to come to the event: a mom, dad, uncle, aunt, neighbor, grandparent or other important adult in their lives. Then you rehearse the students and perform like usual, as those adults watch in awe. Look at those important grownups see and hear the wonder that is making music, the skills and understanding of those kids, and the importance of what goes on in those ensembles every single day.

Peter Loel Boonshaft, Director of Education
KHS America