More to Start, Fewer to Quit: Designing Sustainable Systems for Recruitment & Retention
Clinic Synopsis:
Recruitment is not an event—it is a system. Retention is not accidental—it is designed. In today’s enrollment climate, instrumental programs must move beyond one-time recruiting drives toward intentional, year-round structures that ensure early success, visible celebration, and seamless K–12 continuity. This session shares research-informed, field-tested strategies and adaptable planning models directors can implement immediately to strengthen enrollment and long-term program growth.
Marcia Neel
- Biographical Information
Marcia served as Coordinator of Secondary Fine Arts for the Clark County School District—the nation’s 5th largest—headquartered in Las Vegas NV, and supervised the fastest growing Music Education Program in the country for 14 years. Through aggressive recruitment and retention priorities, the district grew to serve over 50,000 secondary students in elective music courses that were expanded through her leadership in creative curriculum design. The Mariachi Program alone now serves over 8,200 students-most being new students to the district’s comprehensive music program.
Neel now serves as president of Music Education Consultants, Inc., a consortium of music education professionals working with a variety of educational organizations, arts associations, and school districts to foster the growth and breadth of articulated music education programs. In this role, she assists districts nationwide in expanding curriculum and bolstering participation in music through Music Industry Studies programming including Music Production, Commercial Music, and Instrument Repair.
In 2016, Marcia was named Senior Director of Education for Yamaha Corporation of America and Yamaha Master Educator. She also serves as Education Advisor to the Music Achievement Council, a 501(c)(6) organization whose sole purpose is to assist directors in recruiting and retaining students in instrumental music. In this role, she oversees the creation of complimentary resources; social media content; and effective professional development initiatives that support the sustained growth of music education programs.
Joe Clark - Biographical Information
Dr. Joe Clark is in his 27th year as an educator and his 13th year leading at the district level as a Director of Fine Arts. His career has spanned Industrial ISD, Spring ISD, and now Humble ISD. Along the way, his ensembles have been recognized as State finalists, named “Best in Class,” and performed at the 2010 Midwest Clinic with his jazz ensemble.
Beyond the podium, Dr. Clark is known as a passionate advocate for fine arts education. He serves as a mentor to aspiring fine arts administrators, a frequent presenter and guest lecturer, and a respected adjudicator. He is a Past-President of the Texas Fine Arts Administrators (TFAA) and was honored in 2023 with their Outstanding Fine Arts Administrator Award.
Dr. Clark earned his B.M. and M.M. in conducting from Sam Houston State University and his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Houston. He is an active member of Phi Beta Mu, Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, TMEA, TBA, and TMAA. Joe and his wife Heather, also a music teacher, live in Humble, Texas, with their 10-year-old daughter Darcy - whose favorite color is purple… (today).
Dana Pradervand-Sedatole - Biographical Information
Dana Pradervand-Sedatole currently serves as Music Education Specialist at the Michigan State University College of Music. She recently completed a post as president of Texas Music Educators Association and her tenure as Associate Director of Bands at the University of Houston.
Prior to that, Dana was the Director of Bands at Oak Ridge HS in Conroe TX. Her band was recognized as 2nd Runner-Up in the TMEA 6A Honor Band Competition, UIL State Marching Contest qualifier and 3-time National Wind Band Honoree. She eventually moved to San Antonio to become Director of Bands at Wood MS where her Wind Ensemble was a TMEA Honor Band Finalist twice. In 2001, she became Director of Bands at Judson HS in Converse. Her band was named an Area Honor Band Finalist, performing at the Bands of America National Concert Band Festival and performing at the National Youth Concert in Carnegie Hall. Ms. Pradervand-Sedatole is a graduate of Texas Tech University and a student of Mr. James Sudduth. After completing her degrees, Dana began study with Mr. Eddie Green. Dana is an active clinician and adjudicator throughout the United States and is currently the conductor of the Michigan State University Spartan Youth Wind Symphony. She maintains professional affiliations with the American Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Fraternity, Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, Texas Music Adjudicators Association and serves on the Board of Trustees for The Foundation for Music Education. Ms. Sedatole has been named a Yamaha Master Educator.
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