The Madison Band Parent Association would like to congratulate your student for making the choice to participate in the 2010-2011 band program.  Music capability has proven to increase a student's ability to learn.   The College Entrance Examination Board found that students with coursework in music performance and music appreciation scored higher on the SAT.   If, regrettably, your student has decided to not take band next year, you are still invited to participate in the advancement of the band program. 

This document provides some important information about the Madison Band Parent Association.  Much of it pertains to the High School Student families, but it also contains some valuable information for Jr. High Student familes.

The Madison Band Parent Association is a Volunteer, nonprofit Association to support the Madison Band Program.  This is done in several forms

            To raise funds to reduce student band fees.

            To raise and approve funds for expenditures not covered by the School Corporation.

            To provide an avenue of communication between School Staff and Band Parents.

            To coordinate volunteers for band functions.

            To provide student services and meals for band functions.

Reducing Fees

Unfortunately, the School Corporation does not provide the funds and staff needed to sustain a high quality band program.  Therefore, an additional fee is charged to each participating High School student.  The Madison Band Parents Association attempts to provide many different opportunities to reduce band fees and trip fees.  These include:

            Student Fund Raisers (Candle Sales, Candy Sales, Butter Braids, Pampered Chef)

            Kroger and Scrip Cards (If you or your student has purchased a Kroger card, a          summary of their cards and credits are included)

            Family Volunteers for Fund Raising Events (Concessions, Special Events),    Committees, Offices and Year Round Responsibilities

            Solicit donations from local businesses and individuals (any contact information for   such companies is appreciated).

The Band Parent Association has a "Fair Share" program.  This program tracks the student's contribution toward fund raising and allocates a portion of that fund raising toward reduction of their future fees.  The sources of those contributions are limited by the IRS.  Jr. High Students can begin to accumulate these funds for High School at any time.  See the band website for details.

Band Expenditures

The Band Parent Association Budget is over $50,000.  The income for this budget is attained through a wide variety of sources, most mentioned above.  Many of these sources depend on volunteers within the Band Parent Association.   The outgo is monitored and approved by the Band Parent Association, typically through the monthly band parent meeting.  These expenditures include basic materials, staff reimbursement, instrument maintenance, band trips, student meals and many more needs.

Communication

Madison Bands has a great website, kept up by our Webmaster.  Check it out at www.madisonbands.org for updates and messages.

To better inform parents, a list of email addresses will be used to send out news items, last minute changes, urgent needs, request for feedback and newsletters.  These methods provide better and lower cost communications than sending notes with students or mailing newsletters.  Please visit the website for instructions to get your name on the mailing list.

The monthly Band Parent Meetings are typically held on the second Thursday of the Month at 7:00 p.m.  Check the website for updates, as some dates must change due to conflicts.  At these meetings, upcoming activities are discussed and the Band Director provides an update of the program.  All band parents and supporters are invited to attend.

Volunteers

There is a need for volunteers for many different activities throughout the year.  Some are related to raising funds, some to provide services to the students and some to improve the instruction of music.  The need varies from a night, a few days, a month, to year round.  The volunteer pool is not limited to only High School Band Parents.  Jr. High parents, parents of past band members, teachers and friends of the community have all contributed to these activities.

To aid band supporters in selecting an opportunity, a list is available on the band website.  Please look at that list and let us know where you could help. 

The Band Parent Association has discussed methods to adjust student fees according to the level of volunteerism from a family.  We have so few that work so hard to keep costs down, it is only fair that those few get a break in their band fees.  This is only a concept at this time, but as it may become a reality, it is appropriate to mention this possibility before the next school year.

Other Items

The High School Band plans various trips.  Past trips were to New York and Walt Disney World.  Typically, the cost appears is between $600 to $1000 per student.  Students can use their fair share accounts to help pay for the trip.

Thanks to all those who have helped in the past and thanks in advance to all those who will help in the future to provide our children with opportunities in music they otherwise would not have.