1) Stress the players' role as WORSHIP LEADER, and make them feel part of the worship leadership team.

2) Pray for each orchestra member BY NAME once per week, and let them know you are praying for them (see "Ministering to your Musicians").

3) PREPARE for rehearsal. . .know the scores, have their music in order in the folders, know that everyone has a part for everything, make sure the chairs and stands are set up in a well lighted place, let them know by your presentation that orchestra is important to you .

4) ALWAYS use a piano in rehearsal. . . if you are working a choir number, make sure that the pianist has the choir part so you can catch chord discrepancies, measure numbering problems, and other choir/instrumental part problems.

5) Lead by encouragement, not intimidation. . .LOVE them, let them know it, and always look for something positive (but honest) to say.

6) There are 2 necessary ingredients for growth…NEW MUSIC and PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES. . make sure they have plenty of both.

7) Wine and Dine your local High School band director ..visit his rehearsals, offer your assistance and/or facilities, ask for his advice, and invite him or her to come see their students in your performance situations…they can be your most valuable asset in building an instrumental ministry.

8) Rewrite or edit string parts as necessary. .screaming, blistering violin parts will blow a marginal player out of the water, and could cost you their involvement.

9) BALANCE from the bottom up ..tuba, bass bone, a good bass clarinet, electric bass are all foundational instruments to your group, and the absence of bottom end will cost you intonation, richness of sound and blend.

10) Use section leaders and officers…this will not only make your job easier, but it will give them a sense of ownership and value, and will be a terrific morale booster. Let your section leaders determine who sits where and who gets solos, and keep up with attendance. Let officers make group decisions, plan social events and help with "discipline". Meet with the president on a regular basis for their input and evaluation..(see "Officers and Section Leaders" handout)

11) Feed budget dollars toward a successful instrumental ministry. Look at:

a. Equipment (percussion gear, library supplies, amplifiers and keyboards, GOOD black stands, some of the conventional "school-owned" instruments

b. Literature (including solo/ensemble)

c. Personal growth as an instrumental conductor - books, conferences, videos)

d. Social, unity-building events, banquets, etc.

e. Computer software and arranging/editing supplies

12) COMMUNICATE with them on a regular basis - don't assume that they
know or understand - use the METRIC system of communication..(see "COMMUNICATION" handout).

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Model spiritual integrity, a thirst for God, a hunger for His Word, and compassion. Remember that PEOPLE are always more important than PROGRAM and EACH ONE deserves to be treated with respect, patience and appreciation.