MUED 352: Week 2

Due to the shortened week, we were only allowed one class to discuss the intricacies and importance of recruitment. I felt kind of 'shafted' by this topic, only because I have had many experiences with all the effort it takes to recruit. Recruitment is not so different for an instrumental ensemble than it is for a youth group or bowling league. I have also attended a good number of clinics on recruitment and support. So I felt that I wanted to see a bit more from this topic.

It is for this reason that I felt inclined to ask about budget and money. I understand that a lot of work goes into recruitment, and it is an ongoing process, but I do not fully understand the fiscal side of recruitment. In order to visit new students or travel to schools, bring in help, or hold an event; I think it is safe to assume that some sort of money must be exchanged.

Now, I was heavily involved in many of my high school band's activities, and I noticed that there was two funds that could be used; school funding and band funding. The most basic question that I have is, when do you use school funding versus band funding? Most of my other questions can stem from this question; as can another question can be brought forth, is music a curricular subject.

Again, Being heavily involved in my high school, I was a part of many extracurricular clubs. For these clubs, we had to fund our own money and only the most distinguished and special events could even be considered in asking for school money. Since this is the case, then the band, as a curricular activity, would use only school funds. I have not witnessed an science or math department funding their own money. So why must band?

While this is a bit off topic, I find it truly interesting. However, I think I should bring my rant back around to recruitment. While I was not formerly recruited into any instrumental program, I managed to participate in many forms of recruitment in my high school years.

One of the best ideas that my teacher had was to set up an 'instrument petting zoo" at one of the local elementary schools during their school showcase. At this "zoo" students were able to pick an instrument that they wanted to try and the band students would help them by having them play their first notes.

I think that the most special part of the petting zoo was not the instruments, but the what the students did in our free time. Instead of getting food, we decided that we would play our solos from our recent auditions for the spectators. I think that many of the people that we intrigued came because of our performances.

One topic that scares me about recruitment is that it must be on the mind of the band director at all times. This concept was also very shocking to me when it was related to teaching; in the sense that you must always be looking for that teachable moment. However, since the moment I heard this fact I have found that I have had many more experiences in which I am teaching someone. I can only hope that this goes the same for recruitment. I hope that it becomes as second nature as my will to help educate others.

Also, I like to close my blogs with a video that combines a second love of mine, dance. This week I was moved by a video of some children krumping. Enjoy!