Band booster clubs are booster clubs that are created in schools to serve the purpose of collecting the necessary funds that will keep the band program running. Bands, however, come in all shapes and sizes from marching bands to PEP bands, concert bands to flag corps bands. The list goes on and on! Therefore, the needs of each band being supported will vary. A music booster club of this nature will need to be able to raise money in order to supply general necessities such as band uniforms, banners, trip funds, contest entrance fees, and so much more.
School booster clubs are also invaluable in supporting the students who invest their time and energy in the school’s music program. If students are able to find booster clubs that support their activities, they’ll be able to feel as if they have a support system that is genuinely committed to the success of their band programs. Of course, parents also need to be able to find booster clubs aimed towards their children’s extracurricular activities. The parents of band members play a huge role in creating a successful club, from becoming engaged in the band booster clubs’ activities and fundraising events to donating their own money to support the cause. Knowing how to integrate both the parents and the students themselves into the activities of the music booster club will help you run a successful program!
FUNCTIONS OF BAND BOOSTER CLUBS
The function of a band booster club varies from school to school. Some schools actively support the booster clubs that support their programs, giving them access to all sorts of resources. However, other districts see school booster clubs as a more independently run endeavour. Below, we’ve collected a list of the most common tasks undertaken by music booster clubs!
- Create study working relationships
- Raise funds and identify the needs of the band
- Keep in mind food and other necessities
- Support band personnel and their curriculum
- Boost the profile of the band booster club!
- Encourage students and staff to work outside of the school
- Create engaging fundraising events
- Stay active, even in summer
- Promote student involvement and development
- Encourage hands on participation during events
BOOSTER CLUBS UNITE BAND PARENTS, STUDENTS & THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY
School booster clubs help create a closer working relationship between parents, students, staff, and the school community as a whole. Band booster clubs have the added factor of forming a bond between parents, students, and the band directors. Having these kinds of sturdy working relationships will allow the collection and organization of funds to be a much smoother process. All parties involved in the band booster club will have to, at times, make sacrifices. For parents, that might mean having to take time out of their day to drive kids to practices or concerts, while directors might have to put forth a consistent effort to promote the booster club within the school district. This kind of personal investment in the music booster club can, at times, be even more valuable than the financial support the booster club gives to the band program.
FUNDRAISING: A KEY FUNCTION OF BAND BOOSTER CLUBS
Of course, the primary purpose of any school booster club is to help raise funds. Band booster clubs have to search for avenues of collection that correlate with their cause. The booster clubs could host events at annual concerts and gigs in order to raise funds, or promote the program at other music based activities. Bands could need up to $100,000 annually to finance operations due to the high prices of uniforms, instruments, and trips, so sufficient cash flow is necessary.
FOOD & NECESSITIES FOR BAND FUNCTIONS
Food becomes the responsibility of the band booster club during events that require travel. After a band performance, students and any parents that may have tagged along will no doubt be hungry. Depending on any financial restrictions, it is often necessary to provide mass catering for the music department. If the event is out of the city or state, you might also have to take into account things like hotels and lodging as well.
SUPPORT BAND PERSONNEL AND THEIR CURRICULUM
Aside from providing the finances for school band programs, music booster club’s also have the task of supporting the personnel involved in the department. From aiding in creating schedules and handling the logistic operations of the activities for the band, school booster clubs have to be sure to give support outside of finances.
BOOST THE PROFILE OF THE BAND BOOSTER CLUB!
Promotion is the key to any fundraiser! Band booster clubs have to be sure to advertise their fundraising events and efforts in order to draw people willing to donate. Any kind of advertising will also boost the relevance and profile of the booster club and band. Publicity makes it much easier to find booster clubs, meaning that you will be able to draw in more potential volunteers or donators.
ENCOURAGE BAND STUDENTS AND STAFF TO WORK OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL
Music booster clubs of any kind should do their best to promote work outside of the school music department. Whether that means being sure that the directors are handling the students well or encouraging students to practice and enrich their performances outside of school, a band program should have the ability to academically support itself with the booster club as an added and valued resource.
CREATE ENGAGING BAND FUNDRAISING EVENTS
The creation of fundraising events outside of school is absolutely necessary. While they may require a lot of sacrifice and initiative, the students involved in band will have an endless appreciation for the efforts of the band booster club. Students who are band members are tasked with an intensive list of band activities even during the summer months, from music camps to preparing for classes starting in the fall. The summer period is also fraught with plenty of activities towards sourcing funds and preparing the band for when school resumes. The band booster club is invaluable in taking off the extra weight of organizing events and raising funds from students so they can continue to succeed academically.
STAY ACTIVE, EVEN IN THE SUMMER
In regards to the summer months, music booster clubs should also have a hand in organizing summer activities such as music camps and taking stock of the instruments that either need to be replaced, upgraded, or fixed. Staying active throughout the summer months will set a good example for the students and volunteers involved in the program.
PROMOTE STUDENT BAND INVOLVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
Provide avenues for students to put their talents to use within the booster club! While the booster club may be primarily run through adult volunteers, in the end, students are the ones actively receiving aid from the band booster club. Let students become involved with the management, leadership, and business aspects of the club to help them develop some of their professional skills. This will help fill up any gaps of responsibility within the club.
ENCOURAGE HANDS ON PARTICIPATION DURING BAND EVENTS
Finally, band booster clubs should encourage hands on participation during events. Prompt parents to volunteer as competition chaperones and coordinators so they can see the inner workings of the kinds of activities their student is taking part in. If they cannot work the event, simply encourage them to attend and support the band from the audience.
Music programs in schools are extremely important to a large portion of students. However, it’s common knowledge that bands and choirs are struggling due to tight funding. Music booster clubs can be an invaluable resource for sustaining musical programs. However, it is through the mentorship and involvement of the parents, students, and volunteers that allows any sort of music booster club to be sustainable and successful.
