Reducing Attrition Rates in the Middle School Band Program: A Study of Motivating Factors that Encourage Students to be Successful in Playing an Instrument and Continuing in Middle School Band.

By discovering musical and non-musical factors that motivate middle school students to become successful in playing an instrument and continuing in band, directors will be able to reduce the attrition rates in their programs. Factors explored in this project included student motivation, improvement in skills, performance preference and social aspects. Pre-term and post-term surveys were created for students and their parents in grades sixth, seventh and eighth. Pre-term survey information contributed to the development and implementation of lesson plans, performance opportunities, and classroom activities. Post-term survey information was used to evaluate the extent to which student\u27s needs and expectations for participating in band were met, as well the extent to which the parent\u27s expectations were met during the school term. Information gathered from student and parent surveys will allow band directors to gain pertinent information to help meet the needs and expectations of their students and parents