Clark Cougar Band “Band Bucks” Program

The 2007-08 Clark Cougar Band Booster budget is about $72,000. Of that, almost 44% (about $30,000) pays for instructors and clinicians not paid for by the school district. Another 26% ($19,000) pays for the marching show development, equipment and color guard costumes.  The remaining 30% ($23,000) pays for band events such as the t-shirts, banquet, scholarships, food and insurance.  As you can see, these funds are vital to the Clark band program’s continued level of excellence.

For the fourth year, the Band Boosters will use “Band Bucks” to help raise the funds needed to support our great band program.  We firmly believe (and the last three year’s history supports) that this approach establishes an equitable system of financial support for the band program.  Every student in the band and color guard commits in writing – by signing a form provided to you – to raise or pay a specified amount to help pay for the recurring expenses associated with operating the band and color guard program.  Before Band Bucks was instituted, less than half the band families were responsible for virtually all the funds raised by the band boosters.  With this program, all families contribute.  The band directors and school administration support this program as an effective means of providing the funds needed for band and color guard to operate, succeed and excel.

This year’s Band Bucks amount will be $250 for a single student in the band.  Families that have more than one student in band pay less per student - $200 per student. There is no increase from last year. Once the Band Bucks amount is set, each student is required to contribute that amount.  The Band Bucks amount must be met for students to receive their final report card and, in the case of seniors, to graduate.  Because of this requirement, the band boosters make every effort to assist families in meeting this financial commitment.  In addition to cash payments, there are four ways families can meet their Band Bucks obligation.

Participating in NISD concession sales is one way to supplement your Band Bucks account. Each parent and/or student of the Clark Cougar Band that works concessions receives $4/hour.  For example:  Dad, Mom and student could work 5 hours at a football game and earn $60 for their Band Bucks account.

The second way to earn Band Bucks is to participate in the SCRIP Program.  SCRIPS are gift/debit cards purchased at face value and worth their face value, but you receive a certain percentage back into your Band Bucks account.  For example:  by purchasing four $10 gift cards to Chili’s, which has an 11% return, you would have $40 in Chili’s “money” and $4.40 credited to your Band Bucks account. 

Thirdly, Current On-line is a easy way to have family and friends from out of town help support your band account.  Purchasers order online and merchandise is delivered directly to them

Fourth, you can participate in the various fundraising campaigns coordinated every year by the band boosters.  We do, for example, Cougar cards, cookie dough, pie voucher sales and candy sales where 40% of everything you sell will be credited to your Band Bucks account.  Other fundraisers will occur during the year.

The Clark administration, band directors and band boosters work very hard to support the band program in a manner that is equitable to all and still provides the resources needed for this great program.  Your commitment to Band Bucks is what makes our program possible.  We recognize that every family has unique needs and circumstances and we have tried to structure this fundraising program with that in mind.  We strive to ensure that every band family understands the need and the means of meeting that need as well as your individual commitment.  If you have any questions about the Band Bucks program, please contact Mary L. Lee, Clark Band booster president, at 530-0487 or at mommylee79@hotmail.com

The Band Bucks cover the cost of:

• Clinicians – both for marching and for musicianship

• The custom designed/arranged marching show

• The theme shirt for 2007-08

• Meals served during band activities (the Band Banquet cost is not included)

• Various other expenses

Payment Schedule

Parents may make a lump sum payment of $250 during Prep Days. Families who wish to participate in fundraisers should use the payment schedule.  This way, fundraising activities can be credited toward the next payment.  All families are asked to make the initial $75 payment in cash.  Excess funds in a students account will be carried over to the next school year if the student continues in band

Additional Expenses for Color Guard Members

Students participating in the fall Color Guard program for the first time will also have additional expenses of about $200 to cover the cost of personal items (listed below).  Students must pay for these items before August 1^st; the Band Boosters will order these items for students who have paid.

• Practice shoes

• Performance shoes

• Bag (new members)

• Makeup

• Body tights

• Tights

• Monogrammed towel (new members)

Returning Guard members will have some of these expenses, but most items purchased in previous years can be used again this year.

Additional Expenses for Band Instrumentalists

Students participating as musicians in the Cougar Band will have additional expenses throughout the year as well.  Among them are marching shoes for new students and those who need to replace their old shoes.  If you need shoes, you will purchase them for $32 on Band Prep Day (July 31).  Make the check payable to Edie Cardwell.  If you miss this day you must contact Mrs. Cardwell on your own. Additionally, the students must have white t-shirts and black shorts for marching practice every day and to wear under their uniforms during football games and other performances.  All students also need black socks to wear with their uniforms. The NISD Uniform Cleaning Fee is $20. Students who use a school instrument must also pay NISD a $30 Instrument Usage Fee.

Questions?

Please contact Mary L. Lee at 530-0487 or by email at mommylee79@hotmail.com.