Square Pegs and Round Holes - Reaching Musicians Not In Your Music Program

COVID changed ensemble-based courses forever. And in its wake are the traditional ensemble directors who are experiencing retention and motivation issues. Many students became ex-patriates from their traditional ensembles and discovered new musicianship through online polyphonic instrument tutorial options. This session will provide fun and unique ideas for traditionally trained music educators to think comfortably outside the box in order to diversify and welcome the 60-80 percent of students in their middle and high schools who are not engaged with the school music program.

During this session, attendees will:

  • understand what kept traditional ensemble students in the ensemble post COVID and what drove others away.

  • be provided with classroom-tested strategies to diversify and enhance their existing programs to retain/attract student musicians into music programs.

  • understand the future role of Artificial Intelligence and how diversifying options and creating authentic relationships are the keys to preserving music education in schools.

Daphne Wright