Students who are enjoying playing an instrument are the best recruiters of younger students who may join the music program. At the end of the school year, ask the top middle school ensemble to perform for the elementary students who may be starting band or orchestra the following year. Follow this with a question-and-answer session or a reception where the younger students can meet older musicians and talk to them about playing in band and orchestra. Invite a few of your advanced middle school or high school musicians to come with you to elementary school recruitment events to demonstrate their instrument and answer questions.
In the fall of each year, schedule recruitment events for all elementary music students who are eligible to register for your band or orchestra. After introducing yourself and the program, demonstrate each instrument in the band and orchestra. Be sure to play a short, familiar tune on each instrument to catch students' interest. Then provide an opportunity for every potential instrumentalist to try at least two or three instruments from the band and orchestra. Make sure a teacher or advanced student is available to show students how to hold and sound the instrument.
Parents are also an important recruitment resource. Parents of current instrumentalists in your program will often volunteer to help with planning and holding events. They can also talk to parents of your potential students about the benefits of the music program. For one recruitment event, you might hold a reception after a concert for current and potential instrumentalists and their families. This would provide an opportunity for parents to connect with each other and with you and to ask questions about the music program.
Once students have had the opportunity to try several instruments, have them list their first and second choice on their registration form. Also, help them connect with local private music teachers. Private lessons can help your students progress faster and enjoy music more. Also, helping students in music programs develop positive relationships with each other will encourage them to continue with music. This applies across grades as well as within them. Middle school students in orchestra benefit from meeting and working with high school musicians.