Klarinet Archive - Posting 000710.txt from 1998/04

From: James Rosen <mgervick@-----.edu>
Subj: Music program funds: a problem?
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 1998 16:04:27 -0400

I do know vaguely of all the problems with other districts' programs, but
perhaps I am just a silly little innocent, naive high schooler. I have
never experienced problems like those described above first-hand.
In my school system, we have two bands (the "Good" and the
"No-so-good"), two orchestras, and starting next year, three choruses. Last
year, the "Good" band orchestra and chorus all went to DC (from Amherst MA)
on our own funds. In addition to lots of ticket sales and the like (the
choruses and musicals bring in thousands each year), we sold Florida Citrus
fruit for the cash. We have no marching band, but a voluntary pep band does
play for home games - football, men's + women's basketball,
soccer-under-the-lights, Ultimate frisbee . . . Although this pep band is
small, that is from poor support rather than financial trouble. The band
director coaches us one day a week, and plays with us on friday nights. No
money is required for this program.
Part of our music department's financial well-being comes from the fact
that we are a fairly liberal town; no one minds giving money to support
education. We just had a 23 million dollar addition to the school this year
(including a chorus room, a new band room, and a new auditorium). All
departments are well-supported, but music seems unusually wealthy. We are
adding a new class next year, Introduction to Steel Drums. I think that
alone says all I want to input.
This may seem like bragging, but it says that there is hope. However, I
think we are justified to get this money (in the classical
school-administrator sense) in that we sent two people (five tried out) to
National Orchestra.
It may seem that I simply live in eden, but this CAN BE TRUE FOR YOU
TOO. Just send five copies of this letter out and you can GET RICH QUICK
TOO.

PS - I am intrigued in setting up a charitable trust. I would like to
organize a system wherein, after receiving billions of dollars, sending it
out to school music departments in need (based on an application for money,
perhaps?). I'd like to hear some thoughts, and would be willing to put in
some serious work on this effort (I can see it now - James Rosen, co-founder
American Music Dep't Trust).