Its tough out there.
Faced with decreased dollar amounts for travel, supplies, and resources, teachers are taking fund raising matters into their own hands. Raising money is no easy task, and it can be hard to know where to start.
Ravenwood High School in Brentwood, Tennessee is no stranger to raising money for their band program. Director of Bands and NAfME member Mark Kinzer believes traveling with students to additional performance opportunities is an important part of their experience in school music. To make those trips a reality, Mr. Kinzer started small by identifying parents that were willing to help.
Mr. Kinzer asked his students to talk with their parents about getting involved with the Ravenwood Band Boosters. “You just have to ask. The worst that can happen is they say no.” Mr. Kinzer identified a few parents that are active in the communities and companies to provide support for their largest fund raiser, “Music 4 Music.”
Music 4 Music is a Country Superstar evening performance at Ravenwood Performing Arts Center. All proceeds are used to support Marching, Winter and Concert Ravenwood High School Band Programs. “4 years ago a parent with a senior in the band worked for Nissan, and helped the company underwrite the event.” Just asking helped the Ravenwood Band program raise $30,000 this year.
Victoria Chamberlin, Director of Business Development, February 20, 2013 © National Association for Music Education (NAfME.org)
6 years, fundraiser $15,000 $30,000
