SBO+: If you don’t recognize the trumpeter, watch some videos of Maynard Ferguson who ended every year on a high note.
It’s not too late to make your end of the year the best one ever. Include in your plans:
- End of year celebration concert
- Additional recruitment efforts
- Summer activities
- Preparing for the upcoming year
End of Year Celebration Concert
The end-of-year celebration concert should be designed as a fun and memorable event that highlights the accomplishments of the students and the community who support them. The program should include a variety of selections as well as featuring soloists and individual sections. It should include at least one selection that the audience will especially enjoy. Throughout the concert, take time to recognize the many achievements of the students during the year. This includes acknowledging those who participated in solo and ensemble festivals and sharing their results, as well as recognizing students selected for all-district or all-state ensembles. Students who were chosen to participate in national performance events should also be honored, along with those who plan to attend summer music camps. Special recognition should be given to any student who has received an offer of a music scholarship for college.
The concert is also an important opportunity to thank the many individuals who contributed to the success of the program throughout the year. Recognize everyone who assisted in any way and take time to honor students who are graduating or moving on to the next level of their musical journey. If there is a custodian who regularly cares for the rehearsal space, consider recognizing them during the concert with a small gift and handwritten thank-you notes from the students. Likewise, any non-teaching assistants who helped throughout the year should be acknowledged with a small gift and notes of appreciation from the students. Members of the administration and the guidance counseling staff should also be recognized for their ongoing support of the students and the program.
To make the event even more meaningful, prepare an end-of-year slideshow and consider including short video testimonials from students, parents, and alumni that can be shown between concert selections. Inviting alumni to return for the concert and recognizing them during the program can help reinforce the sense of tradition and community. The evening should conclude with the presentation of awards and certificates, including honors such as Musician of the Year, Best Section and Most Improved Section, celebrating both excellence and growth within the ensemble.
Host a post-concert reception for the audience and ensemble members. This is a time for the director to greet and thank parents and others in attendance for their support.
Continue Recruitment Efforts
Review next year’s enrollment lists and identify any students who have not registered for the ensemble. Reach out personally to both the student and their parents to encourage continued participation. Whenever possible, make contact in person rather than leaving a voicemail or sending an email. Emphasize that the student is a valued member of the ensemble and ask if there are any underlying concerns influencing their decision. Work to find common ground and address any issues that may be discouraging them from continuing. If the student ultimately decides not to participate, reassure them that the door is always open should they change their mind. In many cases, students do reconsider—especially when their friends remain involved in the ensemble.
Plan Summer Activities
Meet with students to discuss ways they can remain engaged with music over the summer months. Consider organizing a week-long summer camp or designating one day each week for students to gather and play fun, engaging music together. You might also plan a social event where students can connect through a variety of activities while enjoying light snacks and refreshments.
Prepare for the Upcoming Year
If you will be starting beginning students in the fall, confirm next year’s recruitment and enrollment dates with your administration. Be sure to share this information with your local music dealer so they can assist with recruitment and support your efforts.
Plan for end-of-year instrument and uniform collection as well. Work with your music dealer to determine which instruments require cleaning or repair, and coordinate service as needed. Likewise, contact a dry-cleaning service for any uniforms that need to be cleaned. In both cases, schedule pick-up and delivery dates well in advance to ensure everything is ready for the start of the new school year.
