So, this next year is my first year being Flute Section leader (I was assistant last year) and I was wondering if you had any tricks to use at band camp or the beginning of the year to bond the section. The freshmen are always very shy at first and I want to help make them feel comfortable with us. I just want my section to feel great about each other so we are more motivated to be a kick-ass section :)
Make sure you’re open and inviting from day one! Make sure they know if they have any questions, they can come to you. Also, it’s not a bad idea to let the parents know the same thing.
As far as bonding the section, our squad did a lot of events together. We went out to eat, had sleepovers, painted T-shirts, enough to get everyone talking.
Then we motivated the squad with mini-awards...like a sticker system. So many stickers got them a (dollar store, or cheap but useful) prize.
So at 5 stars, they got a pencil to mark music.
10, a water bottle so they knew to stay hydrated.
Etc. etc.
Good luck with your section!
