(Ed. note. At one of the June policy meetings that I was unable to attend, the fee schedule was revised to charge the instrument rental fee of $100 to all percussion students. At the recent football game, I heard from a concerned parent that many of the percussion section were not going to participate this year due to the fee.
First, I apologize for not being aware of this fee change and informing my readers. I have long been a supporter of the instrument fund, and the percussion section, ever since I went to New York and specifically sat through "Blue Man Group," with them. I am not totally objective therefore.
I would hope that in review of fees, if they are in fact reviewed at the upcoming board meeting, which is unlikely, some principles of fees be established.
In my humble view, it appears that rather than raise fees across the board and distribute the pain evenly, fees are being raised selectively. I have openly argued for raising the athletic fees by $15, as well as the co-curricular fees as well. The public in polls on the Observer have supported the idea as well.
We cannot have 50 flute players in the band. We do need some folks to play the instruments that yes are more expensive. The percussion section has several of these. Many of those instruments are old and in need of replacement. Are students that play them "renting?"
In a perfect world, we would have POPS---"The Patrons of Percussion Students" that could contribute so that students that play percussion do not have to pay more than others to participate.
I only know that at last year's Solo and Ensemble, after the EHS percussion unit played their piece, the judge said, "Excellent.....You boys seem to be having a lot of fun." To which they replied, "We are."
So. I remain the Observer. I would hate to see the mission involved in percussion lost and hope that a mix of contribution by folks and "across the board" raising of painful fees could enable full participation of our students. I have listed the policy of fees below as revised June 12, 2006.)
Revised: June 28, 2004 657.1
Revised: June 13, 2005
Revised: June 12, 2006
EVANSVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
2006-2007 STUDENT FEE SCHEDULE
The Materials Fee helps defray the cost of textbooks, workbooks, periodicals, etc., as follows:
Parents/guardians who have an approved Application for Free Meals or Reduced Price Meals will automatically
qualify for reduced Materials Fees as noted above.
Lunch Fees Daily
Elementary/Intermediate School $1.75
Elementary/Intermediate/Middle School Breakfast $1.40
Middle School $2.00
High School $2.00
High School Breakfast $1.50
Adults $2.90
Milk (1/2 Pint) $ .30
Orange Juice $ .30
Reduced Meals: Lunch - $ .40 Breakfast - $ .30
** Athletic Fees Per Sport/Per Season
Middle School $ 28.00
High School $ 55.00
** Extra or Co-Curricular Activities Fees
Middle School Forensics $ 6.00 High School Forensics $22.00
Middle School Jazz Band $ 6.00 High School Jazz Band $22.00
Middle School Swing Choir $ 6.00 High School Vocal Jazz $22.00
Middle School Quiz Bowl $ 6.00 High School Three Act Play $22.00
High School Musical Cast/Major Crew $22.00
** After the first four days of a team practice or meetings of an extra or co-curricular activity, students are
not eligible for a refund.
Other User Fees
Musical Instrument Rental $100.00/annually, $50.00/semester. Includes percussion.
Parking Permit – will only be issued after all
other fees have been paid
$80.00/annually, $40.00/semester, or $20.00/term* – no
refunds.
* for students who obtain their license after 1st or 3rd term
• Donation for activities fees scholarships may be given and are very appreciated.
• All fees, including food service, must be paid for students to participate in end of year celebratory field trips,
prom, or graduation.
Parents/guardians who qualify for free or reduced meals, may apply for an Application for Reduction of Materials
Fees and/or an Application for Reduction of Athletic and/or Extra Co-Curricular Fees (per season). The same
financial criteria enabling students to receive free lunch or reduced lunch prices will be in effect.
Qualifies for
Reduced Meal
Qualifies for
Free Meals
High School $50.00 $30.00 $20.00
Middle School $35.00 $21.00 $14.00
Intermediate School $25.00 $15.00 $10.00
Elementary School $25.00 $15.00 $10.00
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When I joined percussion in middle school, we were required to either buy or rent a bell set and drum pad. Two years later they dropped that requirement, which was smart, as I'll honestly say I used it maybe twice.
ReplyDeleteA percussionist has to play more than one instrument; someone doesn't play bells, and only bells, someone doesn't play timpani and only timpani. Percussionists are extremely talented musicians, as they know how to play many, many instruments and succeed at all of them.
The percussion instruments we use at school are slowly being replaced with new, or instruments we never had are being bought. This is amazing, yet, the middle school is still using the same percussion instruments that the high school used when Mr. Z first came to the school district. They are probably from two instructors before him, but we use them because we want to play.
If I went to school when a $100 "renting" fee was in place for percussion, I would have never joined. My musical talent would have been greatly less, and I'm sure my talent in choir would never be amazing as it is now in college (yes, they both do correlate). Also, my grades would have most likely suffered as well.
This may not be the most thought out comment, but it has pure thought behind it. Don't charge percussionists because we have the ability to play a wide range of instruments, rather than just one.