One of the most important characteristics of a viable chorus is the ability to recruit and retain new members. At the 2015 Music School, this subject came up frequently at the Membership Round Table Discussions, led by Andrea Thorne-Percy. It has proven to be a challenge for both large and small choruses. As Membership Chair of Buffalo Gateway Chorus, I am proud to share some efforts that have worked for us.

Buffalo Gateway attracts the majority of new members from the Buffalo N.Y area. However, our members also come from Ontario, Pennsylvania, Rochester, and areas in between. Buffalo is friendly to the arts and has many opportunities to sing and/or perform in various venues. The challenge for women's barbershop is attracting the right women who have a love for our music and have the resources of time and money to support membership in our busy chorus. The reality is that about one in twenty visitors actually completes the membership process.

First, we do not have membership drives, nor do we advertise in newspapers or on radio. Our rehearsals are open to visitors all year long. Our Membership Team is organized and ready to greet new guests every week, and it is rare to have a night when an interested woman does not come through the door.

So, how do they find us? Social media has been our "best friend." Events, sing outs, special rehearsal moments are shared on Facebook. Most find us online, and our Website is updated frequently. "Meetup" has proven to be another effective recruitment tool. It is a way to locate people who share a common interest in your area. Once they "find us," they review an encouraging and informative description of our chorus, and receive an invitation to attend any rehearsal. There is opportunity to have dialogue via phone or email with a designated chorus member, prior to their visit.

Another, sometimes underestimated, recruitment tool is the testimony of our own chorus members. Who else can better describe the joy that singing brings to our lives?   No one who expresses an interest in singing is off limits. Chorus members carry business cards and have been known to pass them on to co-workers, friends, family, waitresses, church choir members, their nurses, hairdressers, gym friends, show attendees, quartet and chorus sing out audience members.

Of course, the first step is getting someone interested enough to visit our educational, fun-filled, and fast paced   rehearsals. But, just as important, is the friendly and structured process beginning at the first handshake. I believe the key is an organized Membership Team that is consistent and efficient on day one.   Every woman on the team has specific and defined job descriptions. An organized approach is impressive to most, and alleviates some of the confusion as they enter the larger group. From the Greeter Table to Chorus Welcome, our 6-8 week process is well defined, and   information about membership in Buffalo Gateway is shared after rehearsals. And, once they are welcomed, our new members become a part of our 'Rookie Program."   This program is an important retention tool, as it gives them administrative and music support and guidance during their first year. It provides encouragement and friendship as well, to help make this new experience a positive one as they journey with us.

I still remember the first night I walked into a Buffalo Gateway rehearsal. I was, and am still impressed by this talented, highly proficient group of women who form a sisterhood like no other. I am confident that YOU also feel the same way about YOUR chorus! Oh the beauty of this genre!   And whether your chorus membership is made up of 20 or 120 women, we all must bring others to the fold. As we lose members to illness, family obligations, relocation, etc., a healthy chorus finds other talented women, just like us, who fall in love with singing women's barbershop. We are Sweet Adelines, we are proud, and we are hungry to share this joy in our lives!