Columnist Sandra Thompson: Band programs deserve moral financial support

SANDRA THOMPSON is vice president/associate editor of the Las Vegas SUN. She can be reached at 259-4025 or on the Internet at [email protected]

SOME local high schools are marching to the beat of a different drummer.

Cliches aside, funding for the Clark County schools' band programs varies widely. There doesn't seem to be any set formula, although the number of students and the quality of the program may be two of the top determining factors. A third -- and perhaps even more weighty factor -- is how much the program is supported by individual principals.

The issue was raised last week when I received a call from a concerned band student at a local high school. The school was trying to do away with the band program, the student said. The student, who remembered that I was a newspaper editor and the retiring president of another school's Band Boosters, called to ask if I could help save the program.

Knowing first-hand the value of such programs, I nosed around. Luckily, the situation was quickly averted before it became a crisis when top district administrators stepped in. The band program will survive for now. Calls to the school principal and band director were not returned.

But the student's call prompted concern about other schools' programs.

At a time when schools face such serious problems as guns and violence, and falling test scores, why devote attention to band programs?

The answer is easy. Statistics show that kids involved in music are less likely to get into trouble. Band programs teach kids teamwork, commitment, dedication, and a work ethic -- traits that are needed in real life.

Statistics also suggest that kids involved in music are better students, especially in math. Some studies even go as far as saying that music students score higher on college-entrance exams.

The Clark County schools are undergoing a renaissance of a sort. According to Harold Boyce, who has overseen band programs for the school district for nearly 12 years, the district is just getting a nationwide reputation for having good bands. Guest conductors who have been brought in to lead the Clark County honor bands, which are comprised of the district's top musicians, have been spreading the word in recent years, he says.

Boyce attributes part of the quality to hiring a better crop of band directors "who know that the students come first."

Boyce, who has spent much of his 38 years as an educator working with bands, says the ability to recommend good band directors is the legacy he hopes to leave when he retires in July.

But that's only half the battle. The other is garnering the support of school principals for the directors and the music programs. And that means dipping into their pocketbooks.

Budgets for local high school band programs range from $4,000 to $11,000. Area economics don't always dictate the amounts. A school in an upper-middle-class neighborhood may spend less on band programs than does one in an economically depressed area.

Las Vegas and Green Valley high schools have two of the better music programs -- especially marching band shows -- in the district and consistently score high in competitions. Their budgets are on the higher end, depending on the year and their needs. Las Vegas High's program, for example, is growing by 20 to 30 students a year, according to Lorne Reid, one of the two band directors there. The band has an active Booster group that raises between $15,000 and $20,000. There also are student fund-raisers to kick in more money.

A large chunk of a band budget goes to buy music; the rest may be spent on instruments, supplies, special instruction and repairs.

If the number of band students is low, the school may be reluctant to allocate sufficient funds. "But that defeats the purpose," one band student said. "Less money won't raise the numbers."

Developing music programs need an extra boost.

At least one school with a top-notch program not only supports it with dollars, but expects superior scores, or else the tuba will hit the fan!

Clark County schools have a tough time competing with California and other out-of-state bands that spend a great deal of effort -- and money -- on their production shows. Their level of commitment on the part of students and parents is incredible.

The payoff is that the young musicians reap a benefit that they'll take into adulthood and into the work force. Such programs generally develop more responsible adults.

Clark County schools, overwhelmed by growth problems, need books, quality teachers, computers, etc. There are many demands on the budgets. This is not to suggest that principals rob Peter to pay the piper. But there are ways to give band programs the attention they deserve. They are more than a class. Band teachers also are more involved with their students -- early-morning and late-night practices and in-town and out-of-state trips.

It's demanding. It's fun. It's hard work. It's educational. It's a building block of character.

When I was a young reporter covering a small town in Connecticut too many years ago to mention, the school district, strapped by a small budget, threatened to do away with sports.

Angry parents jammed the auditorium in protest. The budget was increased and sports were restored. The cynics among us knew it was just a ploy by school officials to get the budget passed by a tight-fisted school board.

Hopefully we won't have to bluff our way here. Band programs are worthwhile. They deserve our support.

Any activity that keeps kids focused in a positive direction deserves our support. And that goes not only for school district administrators and principals, but for parents as well. Support your young musicians.

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