Staley Band Handbook 2023-2024
Expenses
Private Lessons
ALL STUDENTS are encouraged to enroll in private lessons! This is a great opportunity to work with a professional musician one-on-one on a weekly basis. Unlike tutorials, lessons allow students to not only catch up-but also provides them with chances to work ahead. Our professional lesson staff work closely with the Band directors and have their own curriculum that builds upon what we are doing in class. The district set rate for lessons is $20 per lesson and more information can be found at www.staleyband.org/staff
ALL STUDENTS are encouraged to enroll in private lessons! This is a great opportunity to work with a professional musician one-on-one on a weekly basis. Unlike tutorials, lessons allow students to not only catch up-but also provides them with chances to work ahead. Our professional lesson staff work closely with the Band directors and have their own curriculum that builds upon what we are doing in class. The district set rate for lessons is $20 per lesson and more information can be found at www.staleyband.org/staff
Forms & Fees (required)
Every Band member is required to pay a ‘fee’ at the start of the year. This fee covers expenses throughout the year that the district does not cover. The Staley Band Staff strive to make band affordable and fun for everyone by continually having the lowest fees in the district.
Band Fee: This is our fee to cover operating expenses not provided by the district. Instead of asking you to send $3 here and $2 there, we roll everything into one $50 sum. If your family is enrolled in the FISD Free and Reduced Lunch program you are asked to only pay $25.
Uniform Fee: Band students have one of two uniforms they will be asked to wear at every performance.
SMSBPA Enrollment: The Staley Middle School Band Parent Association (SMSBPA) is our booster organization that comes along side the band staff to offer additional support to the program. There is a $10 membership fee (no free and reduced discount as this fee is optional) and we encourage all families to not only join, but look for ways to volunteer and get involved!
Instrument Usage (only for students using an FISD owned instrument) Students who play a school owned instrument (typically Oboe, Bassoon, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Horn, Euphonium, & Tuba) have a $100 usage fee that can be paid at the start of the year or broken into two $50 installments at the start of each semester. This fee will provide you with an instrument to use for the school year and through summer (unless you are moving up to high school). Note that any damage outside of normal wear and tear is still the responsibility of the family using the instrument. Your director will give you the paperwork if needed. Families on Free/Reduced lunch have a fee of $50 for the year of use.
Every Band member is required to pay a ‘fee’ at the start of the year. This fee covers expenses throughout the year that the district does not cover. The Staley Band Staff strive to make band affordable and fun for everyone by continually having the lowest fees in the district.
Band Fee: This is our fee to cover operating expenses not provided by the district. Instead of asking you to send $3 here and $2 there, we roll everything into one $50 sum. If your family is enrolled in the FISD Free and Reduced Lunch program you are asked to only pay $25.
Uniform Fee: Band students have one of two uniforms they will be asked to wear at every performance.
- The T-shirt is for all band members. Returning members are welcome to wear their shirt last year if it still fits and is in good shape. T-shirts are $15 each and $10 if your family is enrolled in the FISD Free and Reduced Lunch program.
- The black performance polo is only for members of Concert, Honor, and Symphonic Band. Returning members are welcome to wear their polo they had last year if it still fits and is in good shape. Polos are $25 each and $15 if your family is enrolled in the FISD Free and Reduced Lunch Program.
- There are also some additional OPTIONAL fees (like the yard sign & hoodie) that are not required.
SMSBPA Enrollment: The Staley Middle School Band Parent Association (SMSBPA) is our booster organization that comes along side the band staff to offer additional support to the program. There is a $10 membership fee (no free and reduced discount as this fee is optional) and we encourage all families to not only join, but look for ways to volunteer and get involved!
Instrument Usage (only for students using an FISD owned instrument) Students who play a school owned instrument (typically Oboe, Bassoon, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Horn, Euphonium, & Tuba) have a $100 usage fee that can be paid at the start of the year or broken into two $50 installments at the start of each semester. This fee will provide you with an instrument to use for the school year and through summer (unless you are moving up to high school). Note that any damage outside of normal wear and tear is still the responsibility of the family using the instrument. Your director will give you the paperwork if needed. Families on Free/Reduced lunch have a fee of $50 for the year of use.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available for families enrolled in FISD’s Free and Reduced lunch program (it is for MUCH more than just meals). Once you complete the application it takes a few days to process and the directors can confirm with our administration. Approved families can cut their band fee, uniform fee, and instrument usage fee in HALF.
Please note that our Band Parent Association helps cover the remaining costs– not FISD. If at all possible, please consider joining this group or volunteering at one of our many events. We are committed to making band affordable to all! If the reduced fees are still a huge burden for your family please let Mr. Wood
Financial Aid is available for families enrolled in FISD’s Free and Reduced lunch program (it is for MUCH more than just meals). Once you complete the application it takes a few days to process and the directors can confirm with our administration. Approved families can cut their band fee, uniform fee, and instrument usage fee in HALF.
Please note that our Band Parent Association helps cover the remaining costs– not FISD. If at all possible, please consider joining this group or volunteering at one of our many events. We are committed to making band affordable to all! If the reduced fees are still a huge burden for your family please let Mr. Wood