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