Funding for the MVHS Instrumental Music Program

Finances DeMystified

Mountain View High School funds the Performing Arts Department budget each school year, a portion of which goes to the Instrumental Music program for the salaries of the Music Directors and for music. The bulk of the operating expenses for the music program are paid for by the Music Council, with the Instrumental Music Parents Association (IMPA) providing funding for clinicians and special programs as needed by the Music Directors. Parent contributions are vital to the instrumental music program.

 

Music Council

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The Music Directors and student leaders from across the instrumental music program meet monthly to set priorities and manage funds for operating the program. Their budget covers equipment, infrastructure and operation of the MVHS Instrumental Music Program:

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• Instruments, cases, and repairs

• Equipment (i.e. music stands, chairs, percussion supplies, technology, software, sound system)

• General operations (photos, recordings, food, rentals, etc.)

• Event/program expenses, eg. Band Bash, String Fling, Marching Band Camp; transportation; marching band uniforms; entry fees for competitions and festivals

 

Music Council funding primarily comes from parent contributions.​​

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• Program-specific contributions from parents of students in Marching Band, Winter Auxiliary, touring groups (e.g. Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra), and other groups with program-specific expenses. Note that these contributions are not tax deductible.

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• Music Council runs several fundraiser events each year. Also, scholarship help may be available; talk to the Music Directors.​

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• “Scrip:” rebates directed to the music program from West Valley Music, eScrip, Nob Hill “Extra Credit,” et. al.

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• Occasionally, the music directors apply for and may receive grants from charitable foundations

 

Instrumental Music Parents Association

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The IMPA sets an annual budget and holds monthly meetings to monitor the music program and the spending. The IMPA primarily funds outside clinicians with specific knowledge/expertise who work with string instrumentalists, jazz band, percussion, color guard, and marching band; design marching band drill; and arrange the marching band music.

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Other funding covers liability insurance, online presence for the music program (including Smugmug photo sharing site), and special needs of the program (e.g., assistance for new marching band uniforms).

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Parent contributions fund the IMPA. Contributions to the IMPA, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and may be eligible for Corporate Matching Gifts.

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Each fall, the association asks parents to contribute during the Direct Appeal campaign.

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The IMPA also runs several fundraiser events (which have included Jazz Festival, Swing Dance, and Spaghetti and Strings).