Local school bands play tune for more county funding

A move is under way to help one of the most under funded aspects of education, the local band program, which receives less than $25 per student in government support each year.

‘If this is part of the educational experience, then we need to fund it like it is,’ said 1st District County Commissioner Bill Zechman. ‘What we’re giving them now it’s next to nothing.’

According to Warren County High School band director Duane Farnham, the band receives between $1,800 and $2,200 per year from the school system. A request for increased funding was denied a few years back, leaving the band to continue its dependence upon its private fundraising arm, the Band Boosters, made up of band parents and friends of the band.

‘Our main fundraisers are Pork and Bands and the money we make at concession stands,’ Farnham said. ‘Last year we used the money we raised to buy uniforms and some new drums.’

The government money received through the county is generally spent on sheet music and minor upkeep on existing instruments.

‘The money we are given isn’t really enough to fund buying any significant instruments so we have to do that with the money we raise,’ Farnham said, noting one of the bigger line items is providing funding to travel to football games and band contests. ‘It costs a lot to travel to football games and that’s something the band is expected to do.’

Zechman pointed to recent products of Warren County Band such as Jeremy Wilson, who recently joined the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

‘Just look at the contributions Warren County has made to the musical world, the most recent being Jeremy Wilson who is now part of the most renowned orchestra in the world,’ Zechman said. ‘I really feel the band needs strong funding.’

Farnham agreed, noting studies have shown students who take some type of musical training do better on standardized tests.

‘Music has a great benefit and influence on so many lives,’ Farnham said.

In saying more funding would be welcomed by the band, Farnham said he realizes times are tough in the county, but that any additional help would be a weight off the shoulders of an already overworked fundraising organization.