Woodbridge Senior HS Band Programs
Donation protected
Dear Woodbridge Neighbor,
The Woodbridge Senior High School (WSHS) Band program has been serving your local community for over 50 years. Due to budget challenges, the Prince William County School District stopped funding these wonderful programs. The WSHS Band Boosters is a 501 (c) 3 organization. Last year the average cost per student for marching band participation was $1,500. This precludes many students from joining the band, but this is where you can make a difference.
The Band, Marching Band, Indoor Drumline, Guard and Indoor Guard are all considered clubs and therefore receive NO funding from the school. These programs must raise funds to pay for everything - practice locations, transportation, uniforms, competitions, instruments, instructors, etc. - through dues or student led fundraising. We hold over 10 fundraising activities a year. Student fees cover the operating costs. Our program is in dire need of instruments to both fix/replace the old, as well as grow the size of the program. A typical small instrument, such as a clarinet, can cost a minimum of $3,000. A large instrument, such as a marimba, can cost a minimum of $6,500. This does not include money for the trailer, quad racer, props, and rental truck to transport equipment -- just to name a few.
The WSHS band program has been outstanding, despite these funding challenges (see 2016-2017 awards below). Our director, Mr. Mark Carder, has developed a magnificent program which has received the highest rating of ‘Virginia Honor Band’ for 22 years, too include the last 7 years in a row. The Marching Band and Guard continue to excel and dominate in their classes. Both indoor programs, percussion and guard, set the standard and continue to grow every year.
The various band programs serve approximately 100 students from across the entire student body, 9th thru 12th grades, throughout the year. The band is made up of many diverse young men and women. All of the leadership positions in the marching band are held by veteran students, who teach the new students how to both lead and follow their peers. This program promotes equality and rewards hard work and commitment. What more can a parent want for their children?
Our goal is to raise over $100,000. You can contribute to these programs in several ways:
(1) Donating money, supplies, and equipment at www.gofundme.com/woodbridgeSHS-MarchingBand
(2) Using the Amazon Smile program www.smile.Amazon.com where Amazon donates a portion of the purchase price to the Woodbridge Senior High School Band Boosters at NO expense to you
(3) Donating money via a check or paypal http://www.woodbridgeband.net/vikingband/wshs2.htm
An itemized wish list for each of the music programs is posted on the gofundme.com page. I ask you to help support this amazing program and ensure that future WSHS band students have the opportunity to explore and experience the arts and learn essential life skills. Thank you for your time and consideration. If you have any questions, please contact me at the information below.
2016-17 Awards
Band – Superior Rating (best)
Marching Band – Grand Champion
Marching Band – 1st place Class A/AA
Marching Band – 1st place Class AAAA
Guard – Highest ranked all classes 3 times
Indoor Guard – Best, 2nd, and 4th place in class
Indoor Percussion – 1st place in class 3 times
The Woodbridge Senior High School (WSHS) Band program has been serving your local community for over 50 years. Due to budget challenges, the Prince William County School District stopped funding these wonderful programs. The WSHS Band Boosters is a 501 (c) 3 organization. Last year the average cost per student for marching band participation was $1,500. This precludes many students from joining the band, but this is where you can make a difference.
The Band, Marching Band, Indoor Drumline, Guard and Indoor Guard are all considered clubs and therefore receive NO funding from the school. These programs must raise funds to pay for everything - practice locations, transportation, uniforms, competitions, instruments, instructors, etc. - through dues or student led fundraising. We hold over 10 fundraising activities a year. Student fees cover the operating costs. Our program is in dire need of instruments to both fix/replace the old, as well as grow the size of the program. A typical small instrument, such as a clarinet, can cost a minimum of $3,000. A large instrument, such as a marimba, can cost a minimum of $6,500. This does not include money for the trailer, quad racer, props, and rental truck to transport equipment -- just to name a few.
The WSHS band program has been outstanding, despite these funding challenges (see 2016-2017 awards below). Our director, Mr. Mark Carder, has developed a magnificent program which has received the highest rating of ‘Virginia Honor Band’ for 22 years, too include the last 7 years in a row. The Marching Band and Guard continue to excel and dominate in their classes. Both indoor programs, percussion and guard, set the standard and continue to grow every year.
The various band programs serve approximately 100 students from across the entire student body, 9th thru 12th grades, throughout the year. The band is made up of many diverse young men and women. All of the leadership positions in the marching band are held by veteran students, who teach the new students how to both lead and follow their peers. This program promotes equality and rewards hard work and commitment. What more can a parent want for their children?
Our goal is to raise over $100,000. You can contribute to these programs in several ways:
(1) Donating money, supplies, and equipment at www.gofundme.com/woodbridgeSHS-MarchingBand
(2) Using the Amazon Smile program www.smile.Amazon.com where Amazon donates a portion of the purchase price to the Woodbridge Senior High School Band Boosters at NO expense to you
(3) Donating money via a check or paypal http://www.woodbridgeband.net/vikingband/wshs2.htm
An itemized wish list for each of the music programs is posted on the gofundme.com page. I ask you to help support this amazing program and ensure that future WSHS band students have the opportunity to explore and experience the arts and learn essential life skills. Thank you for your time and consideration. If you have any questions, please contact me at the information below.
2016-17 Awards
Band – Superior Rating (best)
Marching Band – Grand Champion
Marching Band – 1st place Class A/AA
Marching Band – 1st place Class AAAA
Guard – Highest ranked all classes 3 times
Indoor Guard – Best, 2nd, and 4th place in class
Indoor Percussion – 1st place in class 3 times
Organizer and beneficiary
Joe Burger
Organizer
Woodbridge, VA
Jeff Bush
Beneficiary
