retention matters region 16 fall music school november 14, 2009
DESCRIPTION
Tell me what you want……what you really, really want… Same as new members To belong, feel needed and valued Keep her involved through activity and communication Remind each other why you joined Atmosphere of collegiality Everyone feels heard Accept what is best for the groupTRANSCRIPT
Retention Matters
Region 16
Fall Music SchoolNovember 14, 2009
Your Chorus Members
Why are they important?
Tell me what you want……what you really, really want…
• Same as new members• To belong, feel needed and valued• Keep her involved through activity and
communication• Remind each other why you joined• Atmosphere of collegiality • Everyone feels heard • Accept what is best for the group
Guilt-Free Membership
Getting the most and the best from your members.
As members of Sweet Adelines, we have high standards and goals.
We want to grow in musical excellence.
We want our choruses to move forward and become stronger. We want to contribute to our communities… and the list could go on.
However, sometimes in our efforts to meet those standards and reach our goals, we
experience feelings of guilt and worry.
Creating a Guilt-Free Atmosphere
Work at accepting everyone’s efforts
graciously and positively
LAUGH –Laughter is the sunshine of the soul….and without sunshine very little can
grow.
Stress your accomplishments
in your mind
Stop listening to your over-
demanding, never satisfied inner judge.
Do not keep score of your failures or
mistakes.
Refrain from self-criticism
and from harsh criticism
of others.
Everyone’s concept of 100% is different
Previous musical experience AgeRelationship status Mental health
Family obligations EducationPersonal goals
Let members know it is okay to step back from chorus commitments during times of personal stress
TO SURVIVE – BEND - DON’T BREAK
PARTICIPATION LEVELS
• Many choruses have eliminated attendance rules
• Members must demonstrate performance readiness through “live” or “taped” testing
• Access to audio or video coaching sessions
• Directors help music team make the decision if there is a question of readiness
• Some choruses set a percentage requirement with an opportunity to audition for the director if minimum not met
ATTENDANCE
Respect your members time.
Start and end rehearsals on time.
Rehearsal plans should include fun and challenge.
Don’t waste time on the risers.
PROMPTNESS
Monitor the words you use with others and the internal voice that criticizes others or yourself
Don’t be afraid to remind other members to be careful of their comments
The genuine pleasure of achieving excellence and high standards is confused with perfection
Perfection is a painful illusion – excellence is a fleeting moment
LANGUAGE
Imagine the Possibilities!• Celebrate chorus member & chorus achievements
• Encourage family activities to insure support at home
• Contact a sister chorus and plan home & home visits
• Foster a positive attitude – it increases energy levels
• Become more community minded – local charity or events
• Fun quartet nights – “wanna bees”
• Love and accept each member exactly as she is
Guilt-Free BeliefsCOMMUNICATION
• People work best when goals and objectives are clear and when they have participated in the setting of them
• It is important for people to know “why”
• Members want to be kept informed of progress and plans
• Differences in points of view are desirable and require patient discussion
Guilt-Free BeliefsPERSONAL GROWTH
• People want to succeed and do a good job
• People respond better to useful feedback than criticism or sarcasm
• People respond better to challenge than routine
• People make errors, often more than once and will accept responsibility and learn better when leaders and other members support and back them up.
In a Nutshell• Everyone works together to make it happen
• The chorus director and her music team provide an interesting and fun musical program
• Chorus leaders create an atmosphere and rules where members with differing levels of time and energy are recognized and respected
• Everyone creates an environment to recognize and celebrate the contributions of all members at all stages of life and commitment levels
You can have it in your chorus with a little effort and lots of support from your leadership and
membership.
Share with your Board or Management Team.
Presentation now available on Region 16
membership website.
Guilt-Free Membership