F
Financial Need
The Harrison School District Two music instructional budget annually allocates monies for new instruments and instrument repair, although budget cuts this year have dramatically lowered these allowances. The majority of all other music program costs are covered through student and parent fundraising activities (McDonalds, working gates at the El Paso County Fair, and other endeavors). At current, our budget is not adequate enough to support many of the educational opportunities that should be afforded to our students. Student musicians need performance opportunities in venues outside of the school setting. In addition, it is invaluable for student musicians to be evaluated and receive feedback on their playing from multiple experts. At the moment, the district only funds 2 of these events each year which are a solo/small ensemble, and large group concert band festival. Funding is currently needed to provide similar opportunities for our other ensembles/groups.
Student Demographic
Significant numbers of Harrison District Two residents are low-income families. Approximately one and one-half hour south of Denver's metropolitan area, the Harrison Community matches an urban or inner-city profile with 21.19 percent of the population living below federal poverty levels (according to 2003 U.S. Census estimates), compared to an average of 10.8 percent in the Pikes Peak Region and 11.47 percent in the State of Colorado. As of October 2006, 61.86 percent (6,824) of the District's students qualified to participate in the Free or Reduced Lunch program, and approximately 85 percent of those students (5,816) qualified to receive free lunch. Families of the majority of our students struggle to make monthly living expenses and cannot afford to pay for instrument repairs and supplies or outside performance opportunities that enrich our student’s educational experience.
El Paso County Fair
The H.H.S. Band Boosters are contracted to work 3 gates at the El Paso County Fair for 8 days, 12 hours a day. There has to be at least 1 adult over 21-years-old and at least 1 student staffing each gate at all times. In return, the county is donating $5,000 to the band program, which is practically the entire operating budget for the marching band. Free lunches and admission to the fair is provided to all volunteers for each shift you work. Please contact Jeri Brown at 390-8938 or ajbrown02 @ aol.com if you can volunteer.
Athletic Concessions
The Band Boosters have been offered the opportunity to operate one or both concession stands at home football games this fall. A schedule and sign-up will be posted here as soon as it's available. Please contact Jeri Brown at 390-8938 or ajbrown02 @ aol.com if you can volunteer.
Bingo/Raffle License
On April 1st, the Harrison High School Band Booster Organization received its official license from the Secretary of State's Office to operate bingo games and hold raffles. We only have 1 trained games manager at the moment and will be needing more. Ideally, the Band Boosters would like to sponsor bingo games monthly at a location in the springs. Also, raffles will be planned as often as possible to coordinate with large school events.
Video Game Tournaments
The Advisory Board of HHS Bands will be hosting a series of video game tournaments again this school year. The band room will transform into a gaming theater featuring a huge screen and a massive sound system. Students can pay an entry fee to play their favorite games and compete for cash and prizes.
© 2008