Sign Band Agreement
- Review together
- Answer questions
- Get signatures
- Provide copy
Collect Contact Information
- Phone number
- Email address
- Emergency contact
- Preferred communication method
Add to Communication Channels
- Group chat
- Email list
- Shared calendar
- File sharing
Share Essential Documents
- Band agreement
- Song list/setlist
- Rehearsal schedule
- Upcoming show dates
- Band policies

Musical Preparation

Provide Learning Materials
- Song list with priorities
- Recordings (studio or live)
- Charts/tabs if available
- Setlist for upcoming shows
Set Learning Expectations
- Which songs to learn first
- Timeline for learning
- How prepared to be for first rehearsal
- Resources available
Share Musical References
- How we play each song
- Style and approach
- Arrangement notes
- Any specific parts or fills

Logistical Information

Rehearsal Details
- Location and directions
- Day and time
- Duration
- What to bring
Venue/Show Information
- Upcoming show dates
- Load-in times
- What to expect
- Dress code if any
Financial Information
- How expenses are split
- Payment schedule for gigs
- What costs to expect
- Reimbursement process

Cultural Integration

Share Band History
- How the band started
- Previous members
- Major milestones
- Inside jokes or traditions
Explain Band Culture
- Core values
- How we communicate
- How we make decisions
- What we celebrate
Set Tone
- Welcome message
- Express excitement
- Offer support
- Encourage questions

Week One Checklist

First Rehearsal

Warm Welcome
- Greet enthusiastically
- Make introductions
- Show them around
- Help them set up
Set Expectations for Session
- What we'll work on
- How long we'll go
- Break schedule
- Goals for today
Start Easy
- Warm-up together
- Play familiar songs
- Build confidence
- Keep it positive
Provide Feedback
- What's working well
- Gentle suggestions
- Encourage questions
- Offer support
End on High Note
- Celebrate what went well
- Thank them for joining
- Confirm next rehearsal
- Send follow-up message

Band Logistics
- Rehearsal schedule and location
- Show schedule
- Communication norms
- Decision-making process
Musical Information
- Song priorities
- Arrangement details
- Performance expectations
- Creative process
Roles and Responsibilities
- Who does what
- Their specific role
- How to contribute
- Who to ask for what
Policies and Expectations
- Attendance policy
- Communication expectations
- Financial arrangements
- Conflict resolution process

Relationship Building

One-on-One Time
- Leader meets with new member
- Get to know them personally
- Answer questions
- Build rapport
Social Connection
- Hang out after rehearsal
- Grab food or drinks
- Informal conversation
- Build chemistry
Include in Decisions
- Ask their opinion
- Value their input
- Make them feel part of team
- Don't exclude from discussions

Month One Checklist

Regular Check-Ins

Weekly Check-In Conversations
- How are they feeling?
- Any questions or concerns?
- What's going well?
- What's challenging?
Provide Ongoing Feedback
- Specific positive feedback
- Constructive suggestions
- Encouragement
- Support
Ask for Their Feedback
- How's onboarding going?
- What could be better?
- What do they need?
- Any surprises?

Skill Development

Song Learning Progress
- Check progress on priority songs
- Provide additional resources
- Practice together if needed
- Celebrate progress
Performance Preparation
- If show coming up, extra prep
- Discuss stage setup
- Review performance expectations
- Build confidence
Band-Specific Skills
- How we communicate on stage
- Our specific style/approach
- Any unique aspects
- Tips and tricks

Integration Activities

Include in All Activities
- Rehearsals
- Shows
- Social events
- Decision-making
Introduce to Extended Network
- Other bands you know
- Venue contacts
- Fans/supporters
- Industry connections
Share Responsibilities
- Give them tasks
- Include in planning
- Value their contributions
- Build ownership

First Performance (If Applicable)

Pre-Show Preparation
- Extra rehearsal if needed
- Discuss logistics
- Address nerves
- Build confidence
Day-of Support
- Arrive together if possible
- Help with setup
- Check in before show
- Encourage and support
Post-Show Debrief
- Celebrate success
- Discuss what went well
- Gentle feedback if needed
- Thank them

Month Two Checklist

Deeper Integration

Increase Responsibility
- Give them more ownership
- Include in planning
- Ask for their ideas
- Trust them more
Creative Involvement
- Include in song selection
- Ask for arrangement ideas
- Value their creativity
- Collaborate on new material
Leadership Opportunities
- Let them lead warm-up
- Run part of rehearsal
- Make some decisions
- Develop their skills

Feedback Exchange

Provide Detailed Feedback
- Specific strengths
- Areas for development
- Progress made
- Continued support
Request Their Feedback
- On band processes
- On other members
- On leadership
- On their experience
Address Any Issues
- Don't let problems fester
- Have direct conversations
- Problem-solve together
- Adjust as needed

Relationship Deepening

Build Individual Relationships
- Each member spends time with them
- Get to know them personally
- Build trust
- Develop chemistry
Include in Social Activities
- Band hangouts
- Celebrations
- Informal gatherings
- Build friendships
Share More History
- Band stories
- Previous experiences
- Lessons learned
- Inside jokes

Month Three Checklist

Full Integration

Treat as Full Member
- Equal voice in decisions
- Full responsibilities
- Complete trust
- No longer "new"
Remove Training Wheels
- Stop checking in constantly
- Trust their preparation
- Let them own their role
- Normalize the relationship
Include in Long-Term Planning
- Future goals
- Big decisions
- Strategic planning
- Vision discussions

90-Day Review

Schedule Review Meeting
- Private conversation
- Adequate time
- Comfortable setting
- Positive tone
Discuss Progress
- What's gone well
- Growth and development
- Contributions made
- Challenges overcome
Provide Comprehensive Feedback
- Strengths and contributions
- Areas for continued growth
- Impact on band
- Appreciation
Get Their Feedback
- Their experience
- What's worked well
- What could be better
- Their commitment level
Discuss Future
- Long-term fit
- Goals and aspirations
- How to continue growing
- Mutual commitment

Celebration

Acknowledge Milestone
- Celebrate 90 days
- Recognize their contributions
- Thank them
- Welcome them fully
Share with Band
- Acknowledge in group
- Celebrate together
- Reinforce their place
- Build team spirit

Onboarding Best Practices

1. Over-Communicate

Why: New members don't know what they don't know

How:

Share information proactively
Encourage questions
Repeat important things
Check understanding

2. Check In Frequently

Why: Catch issues early, show you care

How:

Weekly check-ins first month
Bi-weekly second month
Monthly third month
Always available for questions

3. Be Patient

Why: Learning takes time, chemistry develops gradually

How:

Don't expect perfection immediately
Allow time to learn
Support their development
Celebrate progress

4. Include Intentionally

Why: Easy to accidentally exclude new person

How:

Actively include in conversations
Explain inside jokes
Invite to everything
Make them feel part of team

5. Provide Clear Feedback

Why: They want to know how they're doing

How:

Specific positive feedback
Constructive suggestions
Regular check-ins
Honest communication

Common Onboarding Mistakes

Mistake 1: Assuming They Know

Problem: New member confused about expectations

Solution: Over-communicate everything

Mistake 2: Throwing Them in Deep End

Problem: Overwhelming and discouraging

Solution: Gradual increase in responsibility

Mistake 3: Not Checking In

Problem: Issues go unaddressed

Solution: Regular check-in conversations

Mistake 4: Excluding Unintentionally

Problem: New member feels like outsider

Solution: Actively include in everything

Mistake 5: No Feedback

Problem: They don't know how they're doing

Solution: Regular, specific feedback

Key Takeaways

First 90 days are critical - Set the tone for entire tenure
Over-communicate - Share information proactively
Check in frequently - Catch issues early
Be patient - Learning and integration take time
Include intentionally - Easy to accidentally exclude
Provide feedback - They want to know how they're doing
Celebrate milestones - Acknowledge progress and success

Good onboarding creates long-term success. Use this checklist to ensure your new member feels welcome, prepared, and set up to thrive.

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