Practical Band Retention Guide for Music Teachers
Keeping Kids in Band: The 6 Essentials
What Is This Book?
Keeping Kids in Band: The 6 Essentials is a practical, research-informed guide that explains why some students stay in band while others quietly quit. Drawing on decades of classroom and program-directing experience, it reveals the core factors behind long-term student engagement in school music. The book gives music educators concrete strategies to help students keep playing, growing, and loving band from elementary through high school.
Who Is This Book For?
This book is written for band directors, general music teachers, and instrumental specialists working with elementary, middle school, and high school students. It’s ideal for school band programs, private lesson studios, youth ensembles, after-school music programs, and homeschool co-ops that include band or instrumental instruction. Both new teachers and veteran directors can use it to strengthen recruitment, increase retention, and build a positive band culture year after year.
What Makes This Book a Great Resouce for Directors?
Although written for adults, the book is built around kid-centered, classroom-tested strategies that are easy for students to understand and follow. It emphasizes clear routines, age-appropriate expectations, and step-by-step systems for practice and progress that students can realistically manage. The communication tools, motivational ideas, and classroom management tips are all designed to make band feel welcoming, achievable, and enjoyable for young musicians.
What Music Does the Book Include?
The book highlights a curated list of effective repertoire for elementary, middle school, and high school bands. It discusses pieces that work well for developing players, including tuneful concert works, accessible festival selections, and engaging music that keeps students motivated. The author also features selected arrangements he has written, showing how repertoire choices can support both skill development and long-term commitment to band.
Are There Fun Extras Included?
This book focuses on the music itself and does not include additional extras.
What’s Inside the Book?
The 6 Essentials for retaining elementary and secondary band students
Clear explanations of why students quit band—and how to respond when they do
Classroom-tested practice systems to build consistent, realistic habits
Motivational strategies and rewards that encourage long-term participation
Communication tools for working with students, parents, and administrators
Sample parent emails and letters you can adapt for your own program
Classroom management strategies tailored for band and instrumental settings
A curated repertoire list plus featured arrangements by the author
Insights from over 30 years of teaching and program leadership in band
Skills Your Child Will Learn
Stronger commitment to staying in band over multiple years
More consistent home practice habits and routines
Greater confidence performing in rehearsals and concerts
Improved sense of responsibility and ownership of learning
Positive attitudes toward teamwork and ensemble playing
Increased motivation to set goals and track musical progress
Better communication with teachers and parents about music
How to Use This Book
Band directors can use this guide to design or refine a full-year retention plan, from first-year recruitment through high school graduation. Teachers can adapt the practice systems, reward ideas, and communication templates directly into their lesson plans, rehearsal routines, and parent outreach. Private instructors and ensemble leaders can apply the same principles to keep students engaged through transitions, schedule changes, and common “quit points.” Administrators and music coordinators can reference the book when shaping district-level policies that support long-term participation in band.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a method book with sheet music for students?
No. This is a professional resource for teachers focused on retention strategies, communication, and program design rather than a student method book.
Can elementary-only or high-school-only directors still benefit from it?
Yes. The 6 Essentials apply to all levels, with examples and approaches that work in beginning band through advanced high school ensembles.
Does this book work for orchestra or choir too?
While written with band in mind, many ideas—such as communication, practice systems, and motivation—can be adapted for orchestra and choral programs.
Do I need prior training in music education to use this book?
No. Anyone running or supporting a band program—teachers, coordinators, or program leaders—can apply the strategies, even without formal pedagogy training.
Can parents use this book to help their child stay in band?
Yes. Parents will find useful insights into why students quit and practical ways to support their child’s practice, motivation, and long-term involvement.
Learn More
For additional music tutorials and demonstrations, visit the official Music Fun Books YouTube Channel.
Where to get it
Available now on Amazon.