Ohana is a term from Hawaiian culture that at first glance means “family” but its deeper meaning implies that regardless of blood relation, everyone will have what they need to live with joy. So to “Expand Your O.H.A.N.A.” is a play on words that if you can develop certain habits that you do every day/week/month of the school year and refine nuanced abilities as a general rule, then you will not only expand your program’s family, but the program itself will function as a loving environment that supports its members.
Only add one thing a year. In the first year, you are the new thing.
You can’t turn a cruise ship around without going in the wrong direction for a while.
Student Survey at the end of the year.
Unhappiest customers are your greatest source of information.
I formed a Choir council with representatives from all choirs.
Teamwork makes the dream work
Convey that vision to counselors, admin, athletic director, coaches, teachers
Use logo for
letterhead
notes of encouragement
rec letters for college
Announcements
Gratitude for businesses
Senior wall
Many will say no, some will say yes. You build your program off of that some.
You have weaknesses and blind spots. Let them fill in the gaps.
Utilize the talents of your parents.
What will work for your students-what are they interested in?
Work/life balance-retreat…maybe not every year.
Representation matters.
Opportunity for those with performance anxiety to participate
No risk, no reward. Know risk, Know reward.
Say the student’s name correctly.
Don’t make jokes about students’ names
Don’t make up a nickname because it’s easier for you
Don’t Americanize a name
Don’t shorten a student’s name
Safe place
A safe place is good for the business of recruiting
Open handed philosophy
Can you celebrate all students?
Don’t contaminate the student’s safe place with your negative energy
You have a mighty strong voice, are you sure you weren’t supposed to be in choir?
That’s why they pay me the big money and how I can afford my lambo!!
Expect high levels of excellence but also let the students see your personality
How much is a snack or cup of noodles worth to you?
Reel world vs. Real world
Connect students with one program
Notice how you speak about your program. Those that gossip will parrot what you say
The thermostat is active. The thermometer is passive.
Do you always just talk about work
Do they always associate you with a problem
Have a shared interest or ongoing joke with every faculty member
Those at the front desk of the main office are your best recruiters
One student at a time
I focus on my lunch to help center me as a human and not a machine.
Tyler Merideth 