The Economy and Band

The economy isn't looking real good right now. Everybody knows that. All you have to do is watch the news or listen to any media source. The question is how does all this affect a band program? Well the answer is...ALOT! First, band is quite an expensive program to run. We require instruments and they aren't cheap. Just one sousaphone cost about $4000. Also, when the economy is down so is enrollment in band. When money is tight it is sometimes difficult for parents to afford instruments for their children. Band fees are also difficult to come up with. Things like private lessons also become more difficult to afford. So the entire band suffers when everybody else does. Fundraising becomes more difficult too so it all is affected.

We are fortunate to have a strong, large base of support for the arts in my school district. They see the importance of programs like band. I worry about the more rural school districts. When budget cuts are required, it is often the Arts that take the hit.

There are some aspects of band that become more attactive with a down economy. Practicing is free! I have also seen some really good deals on some great instruments on craigslist and in the paper. Hopefully things will get better for everybody soon. I am going to buy some cheap stocks.