The following is a list of ideas presented by Bryan Morton.  If you would like give Bryan input on these ideas or offer help implementing them please get in touch with him at this email address.   bmorton@dalton.net

DHS Band Student Mentoring Program to DMS music students (Carolyn indicated this worked well in Murray County)
 
An 8^th grade Student / Parent monthly newsletter with details of recent activities, upcoming events, and even long term plans
 
A Music / Video CD made after the football season sent to every 8^th grader and perhaps 8^th grader parent with a cover letter detailing the contents
 
A 6^th/7^th grade quarterly newsletter to students and parents.  
 
David Henry’s presence at all DMS band concerts with 1) closing remarks after Lewie speaks and 2) meet with parents 1:1 afterwards
 
DMS concert receptions with David Henry, DHS Band members, DHS Band Parents to answer questions, highlight reasons for being in the band.  Make sure to include Hispanic DHS Band students and parents in this event.
 
DMS marches with DHS Band at 1-2 home games each year.  7^th/8^th grade at HC this year is a good idea.  Last game, bring the 8^th graders out.  Give them a memento at the end of the game.
 
David Henry visits DMS band class during school hours periodically as his schedule permits
 
DMS 8^th graders continues to work in DHS ‘pit crew’
 
Target those current 9^th graders that did not come into the DHS band / music program for entry into spring Concert Band and / or Fall 2007 Marching Band (one time for this low entry class we just had)
 
Measure every year’s “pool of potential students” and track 1) # of commitments to go to DHS Band, 2) # of Band Camp attendees, and 3) # of students who arrive in fall in Band.  
 
Follow up with all non-commitments by end of the school year for 8^th grade to understand why they aren’t going to make the transition.  See if issues such as schedule, or money, is an issue.
 
Follow up the weeks before Band Camp for all commitments to ensure they will be there.   Have a special newsletter go out 2-3 weeks before Band Camp.
 
Follow up on all students who don’t go from 9^th to 10 grades each year.
 
Special webpage for DMS Band with active video clips.
 
Surprise or scheduled demo of DHS Marching Band at DMS Fall pep rally or other Winter / Spring Event, definitely one in April / May when ‘commitments’ are being made
 
Surprise or scheduled DHS drum line demo for DMS during year, definitely one in April / May when ‘commitments’ are being made
 
Every 8^th grade music students gets DHS Band T-shirt, hat, Frisbee during the year.  Something to put in their hands to keep the DHS Band name in front of them.
 
Have a commitment party for those who commit in April/May for DHS Band the next year.
 
Personal letter from David and/or Michael to every 8^th grade DMS student and parent in December and April with comments, notes,  thanks, etc.
 
Have the newsletters to 6^th, 7^th, 8^th graders spell out planned, or even potential, trip locations.  How exiting would it be to tell the current 6^th graders than in their freshman year that DHS was looking at New Orleans, or Washington, or place that is on our “radar” for upcoming years?
 
Ask DHS Video Class to work up a presentation on CD to support some of these ideas.  Especially the Music / Video.
 
Form and promote a DMS “pep band” to play at DMS events (basketball games, etc.).