Marshall Music’s staff of former successful music educators is the key to our recruiting success

As we start the new year I took some time to reflect about the school service business. I thought about the directions we need to take to truly service the needs of the instrumental music teachers today as they face a myriad of problems including; limited budgets, scheduling problems, maintaining performance standards and the struggle to maintain ensembles and class enrollments.

Even today, some music programs are in jeopardy of being cut because small enrollments have caused administrators and/or boards of education to think that this cannot justify teacher staffing and funding.

In my view, recruiting is going to become an even more important issue than it has ever been. Instrumental music programs need adequate numbers to survive. They need to increase the numbers of beginners and their retention through high school.

It is realistic to try to recruit at least 50% of the class and to hold onto more than 60% of the enrollment. These numbers may vary depending on the size of the school and recruiting styles, but it should be a benchmark to insure the survival of the program.

As I look at our recruiting programs to see if we are still relevant in today’s world, I examine the things that seem to work and those procedures that don’t. Musical aptitude surveys, communication, recruiting styles, promotions, etc. were some of the processes that I have considered. The one thing that stood out was the recruiting process and the importance of a highly qualified staff committed to recruiting adequate numbers, good instrumentation, and capable students.

Marshall Music’s school service recruiting team is comprised of experienced music education specialists who understand first hand the importance of your beginning program. These professionals take pride in being a part of your team and helping you, your students and their parents develop a vital music program.

Tony Aiuto, W.S.U., past supervisor of music in Southfield.

Ron Brown, C.M.U., past director of bands in Beecher.

Marge Carlon, W.S.U., flute specialist

Dick Case, C.M.U., past director of bands in Bay City.

Bill Clements, M.S.U., bassoon / voice specialist.

Neil Courtright, C.M.U., past director of bands in Hesperia.

Charlie Davidson, U. of M., past band director and administrator.

Doug Doty, N.M.U., past director of bands in Clarkston.

Larry Jose, C.M.U., past director of bands in Jonesville.

Dave Kressler, M.S.U., past director of bands in Bath.

Bob Rice, M.S.U., past director of bands in Lowell.

Jerry Spry, M.S.U., past director of bands in Waterford.

Duane Sutliff, M.S.U., past teacher in Lansing.

Jeff Whittaker, U. of M. Flint, trombone / voice specialist.

In addition, we have a staff of specialists to help administer the musical aptitude survey and help beginning students select the proper instrument. Marshall’s recruiting success is due in large part to their dedication and expertise as they assist music educators in the recruiting process.

Suzanne Aiuto Steve Bergmann Bob Boerma

Jon Drosha Gene Englerth Larry Huntington

Bill McCrimmon Paul Minert Patrick Neuman

Dave Overton Don Parrish Greg Reed

Reginald Riddle John Rush Thomas Shaner

Monte Sheedlo Pam Sigren Ted Thompson

Bill Walter

In these times of decreasing budgets, increasing academic requirements and the ever expanding activities competing for students’ attention, Marshall’s accomplished staff of former educators is prepared to partner with music educators across the state to help you help students discover the joys of music making. We look forward to our joint commitment with you in prevailing during these challenging times to keep Music in Our Schools.