WHY CONSIDER MARCHING BAND FOR YOUR CHILD?
Students in band are accepted into high school peer groups more quickly than students that do not participate in outside school activities. Students are exposed to and become friends with upper classmen who are able to help them cope with the high school environment. Marching band provides the opportunity and the encouragement to develop close relationships with other committed students who have similar values and interests. Marching band students learn many skills in addition to musical skills such as dedication, hard work, perseverance, responsibility, working as a team, acceptance of others, how to compete in a healthy friendly way, and leadership skills. Marching band also provides the opportunity for much needed exercise (the band is even known to run laps around the field at times, as conditioning, when learning to march a show). Clio bands are an extremely high quality program that is very respected throughout the marching community even by much larger schools.
WHAT IS BAND & MUSIC BOOSTERS?
The Clio Area Band & Music Boosters is an organization of adults interested in supporting the music programs at the Clio Area district. The focus of the boosters is the support of the music staff/students and to raise money to get the “extras” that the music programs and music staff need to have superior music education in our schools. It is not unusual to have expenses come up during the season that are not in the initial budget. This happens because of the creative nature of what we do and the level of the performances that are expected of Clio High School. During the course of the season, the music staff decides how money is spent to better our students education and experience in band.
WHO IS PART OF THE MUSIC BOOSTER ORGANIZATION?
Each family who has a child in any of the Music Programs within Clio Area School District is considered a member of the Music Boosters. This starts with the beginning students at Carter Middle School through all music classes and programs, all the way up into all of the High School programs, in class or extra-curricular. In addition, anyone interested in music at Clio Schools is highly encouraged to become active in the Music Boosters Organization, and attend meetings every month
WHY SHOULD I, AS A PARENT, NEED TO BE INVOLVED WITH THE MUSIC BOOSTERS?
It requires significant adult support for a quality band program. There are numerous costs in producing an outstanding music and marching program over and above what is collected by the school in student fees. The music boosters work to defray these costs and reduce the fees that each family needs to pay towards their child’s music education. Many things are provided for the kids such as props for the shows, chaperones, medical services, meals (when on the road), etc. and it takes parent/family support to coordinate and provide these necessities. The music boosters provide emotional support and encouragement to each and every student to obtain their highest level of success. Just as the marching band is only as successful as its weakest members, the Music Boosters are only as successful as their weakest members.
HOW CAN I BECOME INVOLVED WITH THE BOOSTERS?
Parents are encouraged to sign up to help on committees such as Fundraisers, Uniforms, Chaperones, Food, Roadies, Sewing and Props - just to name a few. There are many more committees that you may be interested in joining. Eventually you may want to become more of a leader of the booster organization by running for a Board position, Booster Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Quartermaster, or a committee chairmanship. Check out the website for ways that you can become involved. Clio Area Band & Music Boosters meet on the third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at the high school.