Comments and Complaints

I've received several complaints and comments from guard members regarding the purchasing of personal equipment, shoes, uniforms, etc. First let me say that, you knew this was to be a relatively expensive activity going in. As I recall, we tell guard recruits to expect to spend between $80 and $90 each summer for costumes and accessories. Sometimes we spend that much, sometimes we don't. The big thing to remember is that you got into this organization for free. Basically, for a band kid to be in band, there was some comittment of money for their instrument, reeds, valve oil, book, sticks, etc. When you walked into guard, you were given a pole and you bought a $15 practice flag. A brand new saxophone retails at $1400 and a brand new trumpet currently retails for about $800. Extra guard eq such as rifles and sabres are normally purchased by the student and the a show rifle or sabre is then provided by the band. In the long run, I think that you will agree it all pretty well balances itself out. My biggest concern with this complaint is this: MONEY SHOULD NEVER BE AN ISSUE FOR BAND OR GUARD PARTICIPATION. We are an educational organization which endeavors to allow all who wish to participate to do so regardless of financial need.Resources are available for those with a true need but we are not mind readers. If you have a need or know of someone who does, we need to know so we can help when possible.