[Dhsbb-symph] Fwd: Note to the Band Parents

[Cynthia Kerner]

Hi all. Please see the below message from band parent Lloyd, who asked Rob to forward to you all. He is cc’d in this email should you want to contact him directly. 
Cynthia 

> Band Parents:
>  
> Hi.  My name is Lloyd Kunimoto and I am the parent of a new member of the DHS Symphonic Band (my son is in the 10th grade).  I have been concerned about the financial health of the Band program since the start of the school year since it seems that it will be very challenging to raise sufficient funds to cover the cost of the Band program.  
>  
> After reading Rob's most recent email and clarifying a few of Rob's comments with him, it seems to me that there is one really fundamental cause of the budget shortfall.  It is the large difference in the level of contributions for the basic band program (the band class) and the contributions for the major trips (Disneyland and New Orleans).  Essentially, even though the contribution level for the large trips is less than 100%, it is about 80%.  In other words, we, the Band Parents have contributed enough to cover about 80% of the cost of these large trips.  While there is a shortfall, it is approximately 20% of the cost.  At tonight's Band Boosters meeting, I will make a suggestion about how this gap can be closed in a manner that does not solely rely on external fund-raisers.  
>  
> The situation with the basic program is much worse.  We, the Band Parents, have contributed approximately 40% of the $350 per student that is required to fund the classroom program with instruments, repairs, music and other supplies and expenses that make the Band program a great learning and growth experience (and fun!) for all of our children.  If the basic program is underfunded, we are essentially shifting the responsibility for keeping the program strong to future years.   At some point, either costs will need to be cut severely, meaning the quality of instruments and music will be compromised, or the future Band Parents will need to take on a much larger expense or raise much more in external donations, to keep the program strong.  
>  
> If we, the Band Parents, would make a direct contribution that covers the same percentage of the basic program as we did to cover the Disneyland or New Orleans trips (i.e. approimately 80% of the cost on average, or $280), the funding gap for the basic program will be much smaller and can be closed much more easily with the kinds of fundraising we are currently pursuing.  While this level of contribution is not insignificant, it is much less than the contribution for the Disneyland and New Orleans trip, and while these trips are valuable, enriching experiences, I believe we all want a strong band program that provides the foundation for music education for our children.  Contributing $280 is a way of saying that we want to sustain the band program so that it can continue to be a great experience for band students today and in years to come.  
>  
> If we can close the funding gap for the basic program so that $7,000 or less is needed to fund the program this year, it seems that our current fund-raising effort will be able to cover the balance and we may even be able to put some funds into the "reserve" account to provide a safety margin that can cover shortfalls in future years.  
>  
> Thank you for taking the time to read this.  I will review these thoughts at tonight's Band Boosters meeting.  See you there.  
>  
> Lloyd Kunimoto


> 
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