Finances & Fundraising

A few years ago we did an extensive analysis of our band program finances and adjusted our fee structure. We studied several models used by various band programs, athletic programs, and other school activities around Georgia and the rest of the country to establish the new model for our program, the Fair Share program. Every student enrolled in the Lakeside Band Program is assessed a $400 Fair Share account to cover the operating costs of the program. Families with more than one student in the program are given a $150 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 students pay nothing out of pocket, 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 cover their Fair Share out-of-pocket, we prefer students 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 fundraising that takes place after the payment is made. ALL FUNDRAISING GOES DIRECTLY INTO STUDENTS' CHARMS ACCOUNTS. The band does not split the fundraising profit with students. If we sell an item for $5 and have to pay the company $3 for the item, then the remaining $2 goes into the Fair Share account of the student who sold the item.

In addition, students who are in marching band are assessed a commitment fee the spring prior to their participation.  This will likely fluctuate year-to-year as needed. The money collected through this avenue will cover things like drill for the marching band show, food for band camp, and travel for competitions. We collect this in the preceding spring in order retain a spot for students, plan for drill numbers, and plan for meals. We plan to offer spring fundraisers post-covid to assist with this expense.

You can access your Charms account through this link. Payments, including those for spirit wear, uniform components, or out-of-pocket payments, can be made through Charms, cash, or check.

Rationale

 After analyzing our annual spending reports, we found that most years the band program currently requires between $115,000 and $130,000 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 small and aging equipment inventory, our largest expenditure category is "Equipment" and our single largest line item is "Instrument Repairs," which by itself totals around $18,000 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 bassoons. 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 she has to divide as equitably as possible among all of our school activities and needs. While Dr. Tyson and past principal Mrs. Powell have been generous with this money and supportive of our program, the money we receive each year usually only covers about 10-15% of our annual budget. The rest has to be covered through our 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 high school band experience.