Who are we and our purpose

The purpose of the FHC Band Boosters is to offer moral, financial and social assistance to the Forest Hills Central High School Band Program. Parents and guardians of band students are automatically members. There are no annual dues. Meetings are held throughout the school year to communicate program information and discuss current and future activities. There is an Executive Board consisting of: President, VP Operations, VP Fund Raising, Treasurer and Secretary.

How can parents get involved?  The Band Boosters’ success is dependent on strong parental/ guardian involvement. You can give a little or a lot. There are many areas which need volunteer support, one of which is sure to fit the skills you have to offer. Many volunteers are needed for the activities listed below:

Band Camp Chaperones: Spend a week at summer band camp at a major university supervising great kids. You will get to know the inner workings of the Ranger Marching Band, you will bond with other band parents and be among the first to witness individual students coming together to perform a musical halftime show in one week.

Band Kickoff: Traditionally the first Tuesday after Band Camp the FHC Marching Band performs their new season performance their new season halftime show for band families and our supportive community. After the show enjoy deserts and beverages compliments of the Band Boosters. This is a great summer evening to see what your child has learned at camp.

Competitions/Parades/Festivals: Throughout the school year the FHC Marching, Concert, Jazz and Percussion bands participate in several school or community related competitions or festivals that are off of FHC's campus. Chaperones are always needed for the safety for our band students. Perks include free, quality concerts and the chance to meet some of your child's peers.

Hospitality: From September to May, the boosters ask for food. Lots of snacks are needed for the marchers after their halftime shows. Baked goods are requested for each concert to add ambience and a time to char for our patrons, band families and students.  Parent volunteers are needed to help set up, serve and clean up. Greeters and ticket takers are also needed for special fund raising performances.

Uniforms: The Marching and Concert Bands sound great but also look good due to the many parents that help with uniforms. Coordinators and volunteers are needed to distribute uniforms before and after football games and other marching events. Your skills to mend our uniforms are also needed to keep them looking good.

Home Football Games: Now is your chance to be a part of a “pit” crew! Assistance is needed bringing out the “pit” instruments along with serving snacks after the halftime show. The perk for this job is driving the jazzed up golf cart and the gratitude of our directors and students.

Communication and Publicity: It is a constant challenge to keep parents and the community informed of all the activities, concerts and commitments for the FHC Band students. Graphic artists, commercial printers, and marketing skills are needed for our programs, posters and other written materials.  The band hotline needs a voice to update the recorded phone message weekly.  And we need web designers to maintain and update our website.

Celebrations and Recognition: Are you an encourager? A historian? A storyteller? Volunteers are needed for award banquets and student recognition. We also need volunteers to put together photo albums, purchase flowers, and if needed, help the students organize the award ceremonies. We also need parents to befriend and welcome incoming freshmen parents to help with their transition to the high school band program!

Fund Raising Opportunities

Bandtasia: This is an extraordinary performance from our Marching Band, Percussion and Jazz students to be seen by audiences all ages. Help is needed for ticket sales, ad sales, decorating the lobby, dressing costumed characters, and working with your local elementary school.  We need you - over 100 parents volunteer for our most successful fundraiser.  Proceeds from this production are the general band fund.

Citrus Sale: The sale usually occurs in the late fall. Profits earned during this sale directly benefit your child. The more your child sells, the more you earn for your child’s band expenses. Help is needed for planning, communication, order and money collection and product distribution.
 
February Artist Series: Several evenings of superb talent are offered to the community during February with music provided by our FHCCMS and FHC Jazz bands. Guest artists are featured and provide clinics for our students.  Help is needed for planning, ticket sales, ad sales, concessions and media. Proceeds go to the general band fund.

Patron Donations: The easiest fund raiser is also tax-deductible! In August each family is sent a letter offering the opportunity for band friends and family to financially support FHC band programs. Every dollar given towards the program provides our directors and students more opportunities to excel. Past donations have purchased new school owned instruments, the FHC semi-trailer, 2 way radios, bandstands and concert folders.

Scrip Program: Scrip is a fund raising program centered on purchasing gift certificates to dozens of area retailers.  (ie: restaurants, gas stations, grocers, video rentals, movie passes, clothing and gift stores.)  A percentage of your purchase is put into your child’s account. Percentages vary for each retailer. This money can be used for any band related expense. The program operates year round so you can continually add to your account. Please consider being the next Scrip Controller.

FAQ's????

 
What are typical expenses for a band student?

Marching Band:

1. Band Camp: 6 days room and board, travel to and from CMU, and meals - costs about $280.  Full payment due 3 months prior to camp.
2. Uniform Dry Cleaning - about $11.00.
3. Marching band shoes (usually purchased freshman year) about $30.00.
4. White gloves for marching, $3.00/pair

Concert and Jazz Band:
1. Solo and Ensemble Fees, $6 to 10. Participation is optional but encouraged.
2. Educational / Competition Trips - At various times throughout the school year some band groups will take overnight trips for clinics or competition. Price range $90 to $300 for each trip.  Participation not required.

3. Uniform Dry Cleaning - about $8.00.
4. Disney Trip - Every three years FHC Bands have the privilege to go to Disney World to march down Main Street, perform and Epcot and work with professional musicians.  Previous trip in 2004 was $975. Participation not required.

When and where is Band Camp?
Typically band camp is held on the campus of Central Michigan University during the end of July or beginning of August.

If I am in a band, do I have to participate in marching band?
All wind and percussion players must be a member of the RANGER Marching Band.  Exemptions available for fall varsity athletes per the directors approval. Mandatory Marching Band practices are Tuesday nights throughout the fall. Marching at all home football games and several other events results in fun experiences.

Is participation in a Concert Band required to be a part of a Jazz Ensemble or the Percussion Ensemble?
Yes, we believe that the Concert Bands are the centerpiece of the curriculum and Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble are satellite ensembles. The vital musical skills taught and learned in Concert Bands are essential to the development of a high school musician.

Financial Support: If financial support is necessary for Band Camp or Clinic/Competitive trips, please contact the Band Directors.

Band Booster parents are present at all home football games, concerts, competitions and trips. We are proud to be the parents of so many talented and gifted children. Everyone is qualified and welcome to help and share their talents with our organization. From chaperoning, fund raising, to assisting the pit crew or chairing a committee, please become an involved band booster parent.  You get to know your child's friends, the directors and other band parents. 

Contact Information:

The band hotline provides an updated recording of band activities, due dates, and other event specific information.

 Band Hotline: 493-8963

Web Site: fhcbands.com

Welcome to the FHC High

School Band Boosters!!