Common Questions
When new to the Instrumental Program, there are always lots of questions. We've created this page with the hope of answering the ones that we hear most to help your transition into a high school music program. Of course, if you don't see an answer to your question, you are always free to contact our leadership team and we'll be more than happy to help get you the answers you need.
How much are marching band fees?
The total cost for each student is around $1,000. When determining the fees for each student’s participation, the board establishes a figure based on the budget and basically divides it in half. We ask each family to contribute $500 and the other $500 is raised with all music department fundraisers. Music programs in public schools are often cut due to lack of funding and some students are discouraged from participating if fees are too high. Therefore, the booster organization has established a multitude of fundraising opportunities designed to assist students in paying their fees as well as having events to raise funds for the balance that is not covered by the student fees. We would be forced to charge each family $1,000 or more to cover the costs in our budget which is over $100,000 per year.
Why should I participate in fundraising if I have paid all my fees?
Marching band is a noteworthy program which has successfully been funded through strong parent participation. Therefore, it is up to all parents to give his or her time and effort for our children’s success. Families will be asked to participate in fundraisers throughout the year. These help fund your students' fees as well as help cover the exorbitant cost of running the marching band program. It is important that everyone does their share to make the program a success. The parents who have previously and currently participated in these fundraising events have found them to be enjoyable, self gratifying and extremely fun while gaining new and lasting friendships.
What are the volunteer opportunities during marching season?
Here's a list and summary of the various volunteer opportunities, but also review our Volunteer page to learn more.
Chaperone – When you volunteer to chaperone you are agreeing to spend all the with the students. You will arrive by the time they are getting in uniform to help as needed. We then board the buses and take attendance. When we arrive on site for a competition the band divides into groups and the chaperones will divide and go with each group so there is at least one adult with each group. We also do things like helping with plumes and mirrors before and after performing and making sure students water bottles are filled.
Truck Driver – Drivers are committing to a full day. You’ll arrive early enough to get the truck in position to be loaded when it’s time in the schedule for that. You will drive the truck to the site and help with unloading and reloading when the performance is over.
Pit – When you volunteer to help with Pit you are helping the Front emsemble push their equipment onto the field. You will arrive at the time set in the schedule at the site. Then you will follow along with the pit to push to warm up and to performance and back to the truck. The students are good about letting you know what they need help with.
Props – Props volunteers are the people who help get the props on and off the field for performances. They also help put them together and disassemble them at the end of the performance.
Podium – We designate 2 people to help get the drum major podium onto and off the field. Often the Drivers double up and help with the podium.
Hospitality – On competition days we often feed the students a couple times during the day. Hospitality helps prepare the food and serve it to the students.
Chaperone – When you volunteer to chaperone you are agreeing to spend all the with the students. You will arrive by the time they are getting in uniform to help as needed. We then board the buses and take attendance. When we arrive on site for a competition the band divides into groups and the chaperones will divide and go with each group so there is at least one adult with each group. We also do things like helping with plumes and mirrors before and after performing and making sure students water bottles are filled.
Truck Driver – Drivers are committing to a full day. You’ll arrive early enough to get the truck in position to be loaded when it’s time in the schedule for that. You will drive the truck to the site and help with unloading and reloading when the performance is over.
Pit – When you volunteer to help with Pit you are helping the Front emsemble push their equipment onto the field. You will arrive at the time set in the schedule at the site. Then you will follow along with the pit to push to warm up and to performance and back to the truck. The students are good about letting you know what they need help with.
Props – Props volunteers are the people who help get the props on and off the field for performances. They also help put them together and disassemble them at the end of the performance.
Podium – We designate 2 people to help get the drum major podium onto and off the field. Often the Drivers double up and help with the podium.
Hospitality – On competition days we often feed the students a couple times during the day. Hospitality helps prepare the food and serve it to the students.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
Many times, Ms. Ahmed will include direct links in her emails to volunteer signups. You just need to click on those and then fill in the slot you want to do. You can also sign into your Charms. Once you’re in you can click on Volunteer and there will be a drop-down menu with all the dates that volunteers are needed. Click on the one that you are interested in and sign up to volunteer. You can also click on the Calendar icon. Find the event that you want to volunteer for and click on the hand under the total. You can then sign up for the slot that you want to fill to volunteer.
What are the different types in fundraisers?
We offer two types of fundraisers, student and music department.
- Student fundraisers allow the students to raise money that will go directly into their account and can be used for any fees within the music department.
- General Music Department fundraisers allow students to raise money for the music department. This money helps purchase items based on needs within the music department.
I can't afford to pay the band fees. Can my student still participate in Marching Band?
Students can fundraiser all fees! The Booster Organization is continually looking for opportunities for students to raise the needed funds and will help make sure they have every opportunity to do so. If you would like additional resources, reach out to Ms. Ahmed and she will do all that she can to help your student participate in our music program. All conversations about personal finances will be kept completely private and confidential between your family and her.
How do I sign into charms?
Visit the Charms page for more information.
What is TAG day?
TAG Day stand for "Today is About Gifts" and takes place in November. ALL instrumental music students participate. Students wear uniforms, concert dresses and tuxedo's and go door to door in the community to ask for support of the program. This requires a large number of volunteers, especially drivers to escort students on this endeavor. We use gallon milk jugs that are painted gold to collect money if you have extra please thoroughly wash and send in with your student. Please consider volunteering for this fun event.
