Financing the BOJC Program

In a perfect world, our music programs would be funded with our school budgets.  Anyone who has graduated from such a program, or a parent having a child in a music program, can attest to having the task of fundraising each year for the music program.  As a parent with an already strained household budget, I complained more than I care to admit when it came to yet another fundraiser while my daughter was in school.  But comply I did, because in my value system, arts education is very important.

I would find it very awkward if the administration's attitude, upon noting how helpful parents can be at contributing financially to the music ;program, is that we can fund the program that way.  It is a fine line that we walk.  I support targeted fundraising that is focused on an enrichment that is simply not in the school budget. I would not fundraise for school instruments, for example.  I would be open to soliciting donations of instruments, hardware, software, etc. that would enhance the music program, however.  In tough economic times, I cannot say "no" to any donation, even if there is a risk that administration will expect the same every year.  I can see that fundraising and the music budget will be an ongoing issue.