The Necessity of Fundraisers for School Music Programs
Why do school music programs often face the challenge of constant fundraisers? This question is not just about understanding the financial needs of these programs but also about the broader cultural and political climate that impacts them. Political and economic influences have led to underfunded music programs, which necessitate community support and fundraising efforts.
Why Are Music Programs So Important?
Firstly, music programs are not merely about entertainment; they are integral parts of a well-rounded education. Music education promotes cultural awareness, enhances memory, and improves cognitive skills, which are crucial for overall student development. However, many politicians and school boards do not always fully recognize the value of the arts, particularly music, in educational settings. The focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects is often prioritized, but this does not mean that the arts should be completely disregarded.
Financial Struggles of School Music Programs
Music programs are not inexpensive to run. They require a significant amount of funding for various aspects, including:
Instrument and Uniform Costs
School music programs need to provide instruments for students who do not have their own. Band uniforms and choir robes are essential for performances, although these items are reused until they fall apart. While they are updated regularly, they do not receive the same level of frequent updates as sports uniforms, which can be costly.
Transportation and Entry Fees
Transportation costs can also be substantial, especially for competitions and special events. In the district where the author is located, private bus companies are contracted to transport students, charging $17.67 per hour for driver’s time plus $1.48 per mile, with a minimum of $74 for mileage expenses. Additionally, music programs often pay royalties for some of the music they perform, ensuring a diverse and rich musical experience for participants, directors, and audiences alike.
Cost of Royalties
Many politicians view music as a luxury that can be cut from school budgets. This viewpoint is misguided and shortsighted. Just recently, the song "Happy Birthday to You" came off copyright, requiring performers and users to pay for its use in public performances. This implies that royalty-free music can become monotonous quickly, detracting from the benefit that music programs aim to provide.
Community Fundraising Efforts
Given the financial strain, school music programs often turn to community support for fundraising. The music parents group is a critical part of this effort. They operate concession stands at football games, run a 50/50 raffle, and participate in a Scrip program. This article provides a link to ShopWithScrip, which explains how they work and how profits are shared.
Other fundraising activities include candy wrapping, holiday gifts sales, and citrus sales. Each of these efforts helps bring in much-needed funds to support the music programs. However, these efforts are not enough to cover the entire cost, as the school district usually provides some funding but cannot wholly fund the music programs.
Expensive Requisites of Music Programs
Instruments alone can be pricey, especially high-quality ones. For a typical music program with 50 students, the cost of instruments can add up significantly. The school may require students to rent instruments, which costs money and still needs to be accounted for in the budget, along with materials for instrument cleaning.
Furthermore, music programs often organize trips for competitions and other events. Transportation costs for 50 students and chaperones can be substantial. Uniforms and food costs may also be included, and in some cases, entry fees may be required for the destination.
For students who qualify for more competitive events, such as regional or state-level contests, additional contest fees and transportation costs are added. These costs require the music program to seek funding and support from the community to participate in these events.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the fundraising efforts required by music programs in schools are a reflection of the challenging financial situation these programs face. The underfunding of arts education is a broader issue that affects the quality of education provided to students. Music programs are not frivolous; they are essential for a well-rounded education. By raising awareness and working together with the community, these programs can continue to flourish and provide the enriching experiences that students need.
Keywords: school music programs, fundraising, undersourced arts education