From the moment your prospective students
meet you, it is imperative that you let them know what path they will be following. The human brain will respond positively
to information it believes will be helpful. For example, telling 4th grade students that the path will take them from elementary
school to middle school and on to high school is helpful. And letting them know you will help them cross those divides, and
that their friends will be there, too, will show them that there will be long-term benefits to their participation in your
program.
Kids need an itinerary, and letting them know
that there will be a stepwise progression that will build courage, friendships, and be full of adventure will be advantageous
when you're trying to get an instrument in their hands. Once that is achieved, you can work on the practical tools of
making music while following the path you have laid out.
What
will they be looking forward to in elementary Strings? Field trips, friendships, being part of a winning team that helps each
other succeed? How will they earn the respect of their peers, teachers and parents?
How will your Strings program make the middle school experience more exciting- less frightening?
How will your program build a bridge to that new school? In high school, what do your Strings do for their school and community as
a respected team of musicians and friends that a 4th grade student will want to be a part of?
Paint a picture of the path, use specific examples, and encourage your prospective students to take
the first step in a fabulous adventure.
Here's an example:
"In the 4th grade, you'll be playing a song in the Holiday concert.
On
February 14th, you'll be auditioning to become a full member of Strings and will be passing under the Arch of Bows to receive
your member's medallion and sportswear order form. In the ceremony, the High School members come to your school and
form the arch of bows, chanting your name as you pass under to welcome you to the program.
In the 5th grade, you'll travel to the middle school and spend a morning with your older
members who will be waiting to welcome you on the first day of middle school. Together, you'll travel to _______________
to audition for judges. If you receive a score of 85 or better, you'll qualify to travel to Europe to represent your town
and your country. You'll return home with a police escort as heros.
In
the 8th grade, you'll spend a day in the high school where you'll meet your older members who will be ready to welcome
you on the first day of high school.
Together, you'll rehearse for your concert tour of ____________. One
day in high school, the State Police will escort your limosines from the high school to the state capital where you'll
perform for the governor and receive citations as ambassadors. The boys will be in tuxes and the girls in black dresses. In
Europe, you'll perform for the Mayor of _________, see famous sites, and have an adventure of a lifetime with you friends
and family."
The sound of the stringed instruments is important.
Explaining the characteristics of each stringed instrument is essential. Having the prospective students relate to a specific
instrument's voice is necessary.
However, while music is the vital component of your program, where that
music will take them must be well defined and explained. Once they come to a few lessons, they will feel the spirit of the
group and will feel the path taking shape as they reach the milestones that you have set for them.
