Posted by me on 4/12/2024, 10:17 am, in reply to "Retention"
I've been the director of 2A bands with 100 or more. First, we had 8th graders involved and that helped a lot. Band was offered up against limited art spots in those situations and that was the only alternative. That helped a lot. The only problem with having big 2A bands is that you're usually pretty limited in what you can do with them as far as after school practice or harder level literature. I had the mindset of "if I can't get it done in 45 minutes then it doesn't need to be taught to these students." Worked really well for me. A couple of times I fought this concept and didn't get the ratings I wanted. It's always good to remind yourself of this sentence. Fun activites don't matter as much as you think if you're doing a great job of encouraging students during the rehearsals and performances are fun. Remember that band (in itself) is an activity and some parents will get upset with you if you do too many activities outside of band as their student's time is super valuable. Remember that 2A kids in band many times are doing several activities and moms and dads want them to have lives outside of the school building as well. I had 3 state marching contest bands at a 2A to where we only rehearsed 2 times after school. It can be done. Teach your butt off, teach efficiently and make sure you pick stuff that can be taught quick and efficiently and you will have lots of success. If it wasn't for the pay disparity, I'd gladly move back to a 2A sized school. Small school kids are some of the toughest and most resilient you will meet.