It costs money to support a band and guard program at any High School. In the state of Tennessee our school system does not provide enough funds to support a program of the quality that we have at LaVergne High School. Many High Schools with quality programs have chosen different methods to supplement their programs. Some require the members to pay a participation fee. A precious few have corporate sponsors. Most have taken the route that we at LaVergne have taken. They have chosen to raise their operating funds through "Fund Raisers".

Participation in "Fund Raisers" is expected from all band and guard members and their supporting parents. All participants are assigned a "Declining Balance" against which they work during the year. These "Fund Raisers" even go on during the summer break. The time that parents, qualified siblings, and participants contribute toward "Fund Raisers" is valued and tabulated on an ongoing basis.

"Fund Raisers" include such things as serving at company picnic functions with a service provider for those picnics. We earn in excess of $4,000 at the Nissan Picnic and in excess of $5,000 at the Bridgestone Picnic. As you can see it does not take long to make our budget with a few of these. We also stuff envelopes for mass mailing companies and sell fruit in the late fall. We also have a new "Snack Food" program this year. Near the end of the season we will host the Division I Contest which is one of our major "Fund Raisers". At the beginning of the "Winter Guard Season" we will host a contest that is also a major event. If you are not aware of the dates of "Fund Raisers" you may contact any of the band booster officers or the band office.

Completing enough "Fund Raiser" events to clear the declining balance for each participant is expected from all band and guard members. These are not "Optional Events". If we are to maintain the quality of our program at LaVergne High School then this program is necessary.

If a participant and their supporting parents choose not to participate in these programs they may donate an amount equal to their declining balance in order to clear the balance. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this program and experience the camaraderie that is built between the "Band Parents" and students during these events.