Monday, November 8, 2021
Since we were born, we have been "stepping up". It started with diapers. As we grew out of one size, we switched to the bigger one. The one that would keep up with us. Next came big wheels, tricycles, bicycles with training wheels, bigger bicycles. When you learned to read you started with beginning concepts and then advanced. If you played sports, they were simplified when you were younger and got increasingly competitive as you got older. Sports equipment is also upgraded. As adults we still step up or upgrade with new cell phones, new tvs, better technology, new vehicles. The list goes on and on. So why do so many people not upgrade from their beginning instrument?
The premise is the same. We start students on instruments that are high-quality, but that are not the top-of-the-line instruments. We start them on instruments that are designed for beginners and the majority of those kids stay on those instruments. But why? Students reach a point where they can't do any more with a beginning instrument and many directors are fine with that. I challenge you that it does not need to be that way. A student doesn't have to be a music education or performance major to need a step-up instrument. If you take the opportunity to educate your students and their families, stepping up to a better-quality instrument could also become the norm. Think of the advantages!
Students who need some motivation will want to practice on their new instrument. They will hear the sound difference immediately, and so will their parents. Think of the difference in sound of your ensembles if even half of the students were on intermediate or professional level instruments! Success in the ensembles leads to better retention and recruitment.
Many directors are worried about the cost of a step-up instrument for their students. What if I told you that for most instruments the payments are just a little bit more per month than what the parents are currently paying for their beginner instruments? Would that make a difference? Customers who are renting their instruments get to use rent credit (money that they have paid toward their beginner instrument) towards the step-up. The step-ups often have rebates that are also stacked on top of the rental credit. It really is no different than upgrading your phone, except that the step-up instrument will last a lot longer than a phone! Intermediate instruments are great and most of the time have very similar specs to the professional level instruments. These are perfect for the students who love to play but aren't necessarily heading into music education or professional playing. These are instruments that they can play in a college ensemble and then in community bands and orchestras when they are older, and they are significantly less expensive than the professional models.
Remember the excitement of the beginners when they got their instruments? It is so much fun to see that excitement again when students get step-up instruments. And you will definitely hear a difference in your ensembles.
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Bridgett Randolph received her B.M.E. from Central Methodist University and her M.Ed. from William Woods University and is currently the Educational Representative for Palen Music Center out of Columbia, MO. Prior to her current position, Mrs. Randolph taught instrumental music for eighteen years. She was the Director of Bands at Orrick R-XI Schools, Mid-Buchanan R-V Schools, Southern Boone County R-I Schools, and Smithton Middle School in Columbia Public Schools. Mrs. Randolph's bands consistently earned Superior ratings at MSHSAA State Music Festivals and marching band competitions, her students were selected to All-District and All-State ensembles, and her Smithton Middle School 7th grade band was selected as a performing ensemble to the 75th MMEA Conference.Mrs. Randolph resides in Columbia, MO with her husband Mark, two children Olivia and Logan, and two dogs Mickey and Jake. Bridgett was named MVP of Palen Music Center in 2018. |
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