Quality vs. Quanity

This is an interview question I have heard every time: "How will you get the numbers up in the band program?" My reply: "Why do you have number problems in your band program?" How do you build numbers in a band program? There are few ways. You can make it "fun" and then go get every warm body you can find and fill them up with what ever they want to hear. You can do a pretty easy show and only require the the really good players to play the hard parts. The rest of the members can pretty much hang out and not really have to worry about practicing because their parts will be watered down. What about concert band? Not to worry here either. Just play lots of easy stuff. About grade 3 is all people will really need at the concerts anyway. What about region/all-state band? Not to worry here at all. Only a few students will really care about this so don't push it. It will just take away time from stuff anyway. This band will be large and nobody will have to work real hard...until that smaller band with all the kids that can really play and march comes into competition with you. Then you may be in trouble. What is a better way to build numbers in a band program? Establish high standards that are followed by high expectations. Make each student accountable. This is the way to get the right numbers in a band. What will happen? The students that are just in band as a social activity will find their way out. They will not be able to handle the responsibility or the individual work that is required. They will simply go away. What about the other students? They will be alert enough to realize that the band program is a worthwhile activity and will actually appreciate the fact that the band is something to be proud to be a member. Unfortunately not all schools are able to understand or may not have student numbers to sustain the second type of band program. I do know I would rather have a smaller band in which everybody works for the same goal. There are no complaints about practicing but rather complaints that we don't have more time together in which to hone our art. Is this a realistic goal? Why not! It happens in hundreds of band rooms everyday throughout the country. It is not easy but the rewards don't need to be recognized by trophies. Can you have a large band program that is based on high standards and individual responsibility? Sure, but you better have a great base on which to build this or it will surely crumble in the end. So why do I require the students to sit up straight? Why do I require instruments to go home every night? Why do I teach to the top of the class? Why do I point out individuals that are not doing what it takes to reach out goals? Why!!!! I will tell you. It is because far to often in schools the students that do everything they should are not given enough credit. It is not fair to the student that drags a baritone saxophone home to practice to have to play in a band that has others that hide a small instrument in a locker. It is not fair to the all-state tuba player to have to play grade 3 music with no real parts in it because the other sections can't play grade 5 music. It is not fair to the student that wishes to be challenged and pushed to be in a mediocre group just because it is easier for most to do that. What is easy is seldom worth it in the end. What is difficult to accomplish seldom needs trophies and ribbons in which to reward.