Is There a Coupon for That?

So here's a question to think about: 

Should we have to rely on parents and fundraising to run a modern music program?

Here's what I think. 

I don’t think that we should have to rely on them, but they can certainly help contribute. I usually see them as extra money for the music program outside of the allowed budget the music teachers are allowed. Both of these things can do a lot to help pay the cost of other things that aren’t a necessity or help along in the cause of getting something that is necessary.

Fundraising is a great way to get some extra money. I remember in high school we would fundraise to cut the cost of the annual band trip. First we would try to sell cookie dough/cheesecake/pies and then the second one would be the Entertainment book, that big book of coupons.  I find it ironic that I bring up the Entertainment book. If there were a way for us music teachers to have a coupon for EVERYTHING that we want to purchase, perhaps then we wouldn’t be in this predicament where we don’t know if the funding for the music program will be given or not. 

Parents are a good source of money as well. I wouldn’t expect them to fund an entire music program, but it is quite possible for them to support the music program. If they support their children playing an instrument, then they are contributing to the music program as well! Whether it is buying something as minuscule as a reed or something big like renting a tuba, a parent helps contribute to the music program by helping a student gain something that perhaps the music teacher cannot provide.