Humphries, Wyn2012-06-052012-06-0520122012-06-05http://hdl.handle.net/1828/4004This study explored student retention in school band programs by means of a survey. Band teachers from Edmonton Public and Elk Island Public Schools were asked to provide information about their beliefs, values, opinions, as well as current demographic information. Topics of the survey included student factors, and teacher factors such as band assignments, performances, motivational strategies, and administration. Data were analyzed using the online program Survey Gizmo. Examination of the data confirmed that there are common band teacher strategies that improve student retention. Some key strategies are involving students in repertoire selection, being flexible on instrument changes, earning trip and tour privileges for practicing required material, assessing progress in the form of playing tests, scheduling frequent performances, administrator attendance at performances, frequent encouraging comments about progress, and planned listening and performance trips.enbandstudentretentionschoolElk Island Public SchoolsEdmonton Public SchoolsrepertoireperformancemotivationadministrationincentivestripslisteningprogressteacherprojectAvailable to the World Wide Web