Retention Matters
Region 16
Fall Music School
November 14, 2009
Your Chorus Members
Why are they
important?
Tell me what you want……what you really,
really want…
• Same as new members
• To belong, feel needed and valued
• Keep her involved through activity and
communication
• Remind each other why you joined
• Atmosphere of collegiality
• Everyone feels heard
• Accept what is best for the group
Guilt-Free Membership
Getting the most and the best
from your members.
As members of Sweet Adelines, we have high
standards and goals.
We want to grow in musical excellence.
We want our choruses to move forward and
become stronger. We want to contribute to
our communities… and the list could go on.
However, sometimes in our efforts to meet
those standards and reach our goals, we
experience feelings of guilt and worry.
Creating a Guilt-Free Atmosphere
Work at accepting
everyone’s efforts
graciously and
positively
Stress your
accomplishments
in your mind
LAUGH –
Laughter is the sunshine
of the soul….and without
sunshine very little can
grow.
Do not keep score
of your failures or
mistakes.
Stop listening to
your overdemanding, never
satisfied inner judge.
Refrain from
self-criticism
and from
harsh criticism
of others.
PARTICIPATION LEVELS
Everyone’s concept of 100% is different
Previous musical experience
Age
Relationship status
Mental health
Family obligations
Education
Personal goals
Let members know it is okay to step back from chorus
commitments during times of personal stress
TO SURVIVE – BEND - DON’T BREAK
ATTENDANCE
• Many choruses have eliminated attendance rules
• Members must demonstrate performance readiness
through “live” or “taped” testing
• Access to audio or video coaching sessions
• Directors help music team make the decision if there
is a question of readiness
• Some choruses set a percentage requirement with an
opportunity to audition for the director if minimum not
met
PROMPTNESS
Respect your members time.

Start and end rehearsals on time.
Rehearsal plans should include fun and
challenge.

Don’t waste time on the risers.
LANGUAGE
Monitor the words you use with others and the internal
voice that criticizes others or yourself
Don’t be afraid to remind other members to be careful of
their comments
The genuine pleasure of achieving excellence and high
standards is confused with perfection
Perfection is a painful illusion – excellence is a fleeting
moment
THE FOUR AGREEMENTS
by Don Miguel Ruiz
Be impeccable with your Word.
Imagine the Possibilities!
• Celebrate chorus member & chorus achievements
• Encourage family activities to insure support at home
• Contact a sister chorus and plan home & home visits
• Foster a positive attitude – it increases energy levels
• Become more community minded – local charity or
events
• Fun quartet nights – “wanna bees”
• Love and accept each member exactly as she is
Guilt-Free Beliefs
COMMUNICATION
• People work best when goals and objectives are
clear and when they have participated in the
setting of them
• It is important for people to know “why”
• Members want to be kept informed of progress
and plans
• Differences in points of view are desirable and
require patient discussion
Guilt-Free Beliefs
PERSONAL GROWTH
• People want to succeed and do a good job
• People respond better to useful feedback than
criticism or sarcasm
• People respond better to challenge than routine
• People make errors, often more than once and
will accept responsibility and learn better when
leaders and other members support and back
them up.
In a Nutshell
• Everyone works together to make it happen
• The chorus director and her music team provide an
interesting and fun musical program
• Chorus leaders create an atmosphere and rules
where members with differing levels of time and
energy are recognized and respected
• Everyone creates an environment to recognize and
celebrate the contributions of all members at all
stages of life and commitment levels
Guilt-Free Membership
You can have it in your chorus with a little effort and
lots of support from your leadership and
membership.

Share with your Board or Management Team.

Presentation now available on Region 16
membership website.