Finances

Dear Evans Band Family:

Over the past year, we have completed our annual analysis of our band program finances and determine if there is a need to adjust our fee structure. After reviewing the needs of our program, we have determined that changes to the fee schedule would not be needed at this time. However, we do want to stress the importance of participating in fundraisers so avoid fee increases in the program. With the projected growth of the program, and the need to replace aging school-owned instruments, we have reallocated booster funds for the upcoming school year. 

Continuing with the 2024-2025 school year, every student enrolled in the Evans Band Program will be assessed a $200 Fundraising Goal amount in addition to the annual band fee to assist with covering the operating costs of the program. Band Fees alone only cover a portion of our total yearly operating budget. In order to keep from raising band fees, it is necessary for us to fundraise in order to make up the difference. 

Families with more than one student in the program are given a $100 discount on each additional student to offset the financial burden on families. However, we expect and encourage all of this amount to be covered by our fundraising opportunities that we offer throughout the year. Many families, those who participate in fundraisers, will end up paying no additional fees out of pocket, can fund some of their optional spring trip, or even roll a balance over into the next year through their fundraising efforts. Though some elect to pay it in total upfront, we encourage every student to participate in the fundraisers to feel a sense of personal investment in the program. Also note that fundraisers take place throughout the year and that any out-of-pocket payments can be reimbursed by crediting your students Cut Time account.

Rationale

After analyzing our annual spending reports, we found that most years the band program currently requires between $100,000 and $120,000 to operate in a normal year. This does not count the money that comes in and goes out in relation to our spring trip or any special events that may occur in the future. Because of our aging equipment inventory, our largest expenditure category is "Equipment," and our largest line item is "Instrument Repairs," which by itself totals around $10,000 a year. Due to our current inventory constraints and the size of our program, we also currently have a significant number of students who are forced to share larger school-owned instruments such as tubas and euphoniums. This prevents these students from being able to practice consistently. We aim to address this issue as best we can over the next few years.

We have not historically received money directly from the school district to offset these costs, though there are ongoing conversations to address this need. Our principal is given a fund each year that he has to divide as equitably as possible among all of our school activities and needs. While the administration at Evans High School have been generous with this money and supportive of our program, the money we receive each year usually only covers about 20% of our annual budget. The rest has to be covered through Band Fees and Fundraising. The lack of participation in fundraising efforts over the past several years has warranted a need for us to implement the Fair Share program. We try to budget strategically and frugally, but we also strive to provide the best experience possible for our students. Band programs in many areas throughout Georgia are currently using similar models and charging students between $800 and $1,500 to participate in band (a small handful pay upwards of $2,000 to participate!). We work to keep costs down as much as possible while maintaining our program's noteworthy level of quality.

Lastly, please know that we want to work with everyone. If you are concerned about your ability to meet the financial commitment, please let us know! While there are more than enough fundraising opportunities to cover the costs, we realize everyone has a different situation. We do NOT want money to stand in the way of a student and their family having the most rewarding high school band experience.