1. Retention Matters Region 16 Fall Music School November 14, 2009

2. Your Chorus Members Why are they important?

3. 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

4. Guilt-Free Membership Getting the most and the best from your members.

5. 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.

6. Creating a Guilt-Free Atmosphere Work at accepting everyone’s efforts graciously and positively LAUGH – Laughter is the sunshine of the soul….and without sunshine very little can grow. Stress your accomplishments in your mind Stop listening to your over- demanding, never satisfied inner judge. Do not keep score of your failures or mistakes. Refrain from self-criticism and from harsh criticism of others.

7. Everyone’s concept of 100% is different Previous musical experienceAge Relationship statusMental health Family obligationsEducation 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 PARTICIPATION LEVELS

8. 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 ATTENDANCE

9. Respect your members time.  Start and end rehearsals on time. Rehearsal plans should include fun and challenge.  Don’t waste time on the risers. PROMPTNESS

10. 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 LANGUAGE

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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. Guilt-Free Membership