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- Why do we do fundraising?
- How is the money spent?
- When and where are the meetings?
- What if my child doesn’t know anything about music?
- Should my child be taking private lessons after they join the band program?
- Will my beginning band student have after school rehearsals?
- What will I be required to purchase?
- How much will my child have to practice?
- How will my child’s grade be determined?
- How can I reach the Band Director?
| Why do we do fundraising? |
| The Edwardsburg Band Boosters work to supplement the instrumental music program’s normal operating budget from the school district. The Band Boosters organize fundraisers each year to help maintain and increase the level of activity and excellence the band program offers. Band members are not required to participate in the fundraisers; however, they are encouraged to participate as they all benefit from the fundraisers either individually or as a member of the program. Our goal is not only to meet the instrumental music programs budgetary needs, but to also cover the cost of workshops, band-related trips, camps and other events leaving no, or little, out of pocket expenses for the student and his/her family. We are entirely dependent on the volunteer efforts of parents and students. Your active participation in program activities will help insure our continued success and the best possible experience for your child/student in the program. |
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| How is the money spent? |
| Each year the Band Boosters Executive Board (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Band Directors) meet to determine the needs for the upcoming year. A budget is then developed and presented to the general membership at the first official Band Booster meeting for approval. The budget line items include dollars for scholarships (over $2,600) per year, awards, certificates, and recognition dinners for high school bane members, recognition pizza parties for middle school band members, concert expenses, musician clinics, seminars, special instructors, instruments and equipment for the band and color guard among other things. |
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| When and where are the meetings? |
| All band parents are encouraged to attend the scheduled meetings. This is where the big decisions are made. You are a member of the Band Boosters and your opinions, suggestions and help are very much appreciated. If you regularly attend Band Booster meetings you will be well informed about program activities at all levels. The Band Boosters meetings are where we discuss our fundraising efforts, program needs and goals, and develop the plans to attain these goals through a variety of projects. The Band Directors are members of the Executive Board and therefore attend all Band Booster meetings. This is an excellent opportunity to have direct contact with the Band Directors as well. All discussions and outcome of each meeting directly affect your child and every student in the instrumental music program. All meetings are held in the Band Room in the new Fine Arts Building (between the middle school and high school). Both moms and dads are encouraged to attend. Meetings begin in September and continue through May. Please join us. We NEED each of you! |
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| What if my child doesn’t know anything about music? |
| Students beginning the band program start from square one. Beginning band will teach your child everything he or she needs to know. If your child has had music lessons prior to joining the band, that is TERRIFIC! |
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| Should my child be taking private lessons after they join the band program? |
| All students are encouraged to take private lessons. There are many things that a private instructor can cover that the band director simply cannot in a classroom situation. One-on-one attention and instruction is always a plus. There are many qualified instructors in our area. They are usually high school band members available who teach private lessons as well. Every student involved in private instruction shows definite improvement. |
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| Will my beginning band student have after school rehearsals? |
| No. There are no after school band rehearsals for beginning band students. |
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| What will I be required to purchase? |
| Parents will be responsible for providing their child with an instrument – its care, maintenance and supplies. Beginning band members perform at the Spring Concert. Parents will need to furnish a solid white dress shirt, black dress pants or skirt, black socks/hose and black shoes for their child’s concert attire. Concert attire for Middle School Band students is the same. No jeans, tee-shirts or athletic shoes will be allowed for performances. Parents will have to purchase their child’s music book as well. The cost is usually under $10. |
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| How much will my child have to practice? |
| Your band is only as good as the weakest player in the group. Practice does not mean daily classroom rehearsals. Everyone must work hard and consistently on an individual basis – that’s called practice. Beginning band students will be required to practice a minimum of 20 minutes per day – 5 days per week. Parents will be required to sign their child’s practice log on a weekly basis. This is a very important part of your child’s grade. |
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| How will my child’s grade be determined? |
A student’s grade will consist of the following:
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| How can I reach the Band Director? |
| The Band Directors are always happy to answer your questions and discuss your child’s progress and any concerns you may have. The Band Directors' direct telephone line is 663-1060. You may call that number anytime to talk directly to the Directors (or leave a message if they are not available). |
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This information has been prepared for you by the Edwardsburg Band Boosters, our band parent organization. The topics discussed are offered as help for parents and students considering the instrumental music program.
We hope the information provided will help you make a more informed decision.
