| I wasnt sure if I wanted to repsond or not, but here goes.
My father is a band director, so i grew up around a high school band program.
He has always tried to keep costs to be in the program very low. There are alot of bands that have fees far above the $500 you mention. Students hear $500 and think - "WOAH, no way will my parents pay that, they wouldnt even buy me a freaking ipod." But what they dont see is that the parents will be much more willing to pay for a fee for band than many other things. If a students really wants to be in the band and the family is having a hard time coming up with the $, im sure the director will do what he can to work with them. The last thing he would want is for a great student (even a decent one with a good attitude) to not be able to participate.
The marching show idea, get over it. There are alot of different types of shows and certain shows that need to be done to place well in competitions. Every band has experimental years, somtimes it works, somtimes it doesnt. There is only one way to see how it will turn out. I really doubt the change in the show will cause many students to drop band. If they are stupid enough to do that, then most likely they arent the kids you really want anyways.
I think the homework could be a GREAT thing. Maybe they are doing a little much, but I wish I would have had to do that. You will learn plenty from doing those. I bet if you talk to your director that you wont have to do full assignments for 3 different classes. He will understand.
My gerneral observation is for you and the other students to look at it from a parent or teacher's standpoint and it will make alot more sence.
edit-
About the funraising. We went on big trips every other year (macy's, rose parade, and all that) I never paid anything to go. Not because my dad was the director, but because I sold that much in the fundraisers. I sold soooo much fruit. I didnt want my parents to have to pay anything, and they didnt. Most of the fundraisers take some work, the kids who are lazy about it are the ones who complain about the costs of trips.
An idea for your band if you dont already do it. Is a car wash, but dont charge by the car. We did a free car wash. They way to make $ is that each student gets pledges. Most people would pledge 1 or 2 cents. If you wash 1000 cars, thats $10 or $20 per person. Its all cash, all straight to your fundrasing. You can wash the cars at dealerships also. |