Posted by Dan Schultz on February 04, 2001 at 10:56:34:
In Reply to: Recruiting Band Members posted by Mike Ross on February 03, 2001 at 23:54:09:
I started a thriving, all volunteer (unpaid & non-profit) community band in Newburgh, Indiana in February of last year. Here are some the things that have worked well for the group:
- If you have a local 'Welcome Wagon' organization, give them flyers so new members of the community are contacted soon after they arrive in town.
- Get to know people at your local public radio and television stations. They will give you free advertising.
- Be active in your community. Work with the Parks Board and get to know your town's government.
- Talk to virtually EVERYONE you meet about the band. Encourage folks that haven't played in years to dust off their horns and don't allow them to get discouraged if they don't sound very well for several (many) rehearsals.
- Rehearse every week at the same time.
- If you have not organized... do it right away. Elect a governing board and involve as many band members as you can in various activities such as librarian, public relations, etc.
- Post flyers EVERYWHERE... grocery stores, libraries, schools, churches, etc. Put up flyers ANYWHERE that people have to sit and wait such oil change places, pizza pick up places, restaurants, doctors offices, etc.
- Beg! Encourage newcomers. They will probably give you the old song and dance that they haven't played in years. Don't let them off the hook that easily.
- If you are recruiting for an unpaid, all volunteer band, you need to exercise just enough discipline to keep the group orderly. Allow everyone to have fun. It's very difficult to take the 'middle of the road' approach; ie. purist vs. novice. Tollerate everyone who comes along... no matter what their skill level is. Remember... even the mediocre players have friends...