Why are we charging admission for concerts? I am very sorry to have to announce that we will need to charge admission for our concerts. I am expecting to get some push back on this, but my hope is that you will thoughtfully consider this... Every dance concert, every theater production, every athletic event- charges admission. I am not sure why schools do not charge for instrumental music concerts. The hard truth is this. We have not recieved any funding for our band program this year from the district office. As a result, we have not been able to purchase all of the equipment and new instruments that we are in desperate need of. Our percussionists could not audition for Region band because they did not have a Timpani or Xylophone to practice on. Having said this, it is NOT TYPICAL for schools to recieve ANY funding for their arts programs. Particularly charter schools. In fact, most schools country-wide no longer recieve funding for their arts programs. California has just passed a law that is sure to make marching band cease to exist within a few years due to the state denying fine arts and athletic programs the ability to charge any fees for their programs.
Thanks to the fundraising we have done through our fine arts and booster programs this year, we have been able to purchase some items, such as a Vibraphone and many small auxiliary percussion instruments. We are in the process of ordering the wings for the stage which will help with the tremendous sound issues and lack of back stage aesthetics during concerts. In all, we have raised over $10,000 this year and that is amazing. Unfortunately, in order to have the best band program in the state, we need all of the equipment, and that will cost us around $25,000 for just the bare minimum.
My hope is that you know that when you come to our band concerts, each time you will notice a marked improvement in the development of our students musicianship and technique. That you will be aware of the fact that with every concert, we have been able to add new equipment which improves the overall sound of the band. That the students are HAPPY and learning to love music and band. Most importantly, we don't believe in putting on the typical band concert. We like to think of it as a show, and so we fully expect you to be entertained. We ARE creating a BAND FAMILY. Our students are doing GREAT things. They are learning about dedication and commitment, leadership, respect, accountability, integrity, service and excellence. We are very proud of our band program. We are growing. Please support your kids in that growth! We look forward to showing you some amazing things at our next concert on May 13th!