My band is broke. Let's put it that way. We don't have money to even pay our instructors, let alone go on trips- competition even seems out of reach in the immediate future.

So.

My percussion instructor didn't come to practice today. Afterwards, I was told by my director that because we couldn't pay him, he would not/ will not be coming back.

The percussion section here is going to be fundraising like heck to fix this problem, but what if it isn't enough?

I know I haven't been on here often, but at this point, I can't think of anyone else to turn to but you guys.

Anyone care to offer help or advice?

I don't teach for the money, but with gas prices being what they are, the money does help. Even after 6 years with my current group, I'm not sure I could afford to come back week after week if I weren't getting paid.

fundraising is a good plan. Most of us don't do it for the money simply because what we get paid usually pales in comparison to the amount of time and effort that we put in, and we'd be further ahead working nights at McDonald's instead of going to band practice if we were after money. That being said, doing it for free is a lot different than doing it for something, even if it's only enough to cover gas. Do your fundraising, raise what you can, hopefully it's enough to make it worth his while.

Find someone to take photos of the band and each memeber for a low cost if at all and have the students sell each photo for sponsorship for 50$ each. it is a surefire way to earn some quick cash.

talk to any close gorcery stores or wal-marts and see if you can play outside in the parking lot. if they say yes get some buckets and trash cans. write about 10 short different beats for each kind of bucket or can and switch 'em up as you play. i.e. these guys play #1 and these guys play #5 while these guys play #8 and repeat them for a while then change one or two of them at a time. my school raised like $800 by doing that

The first year that I taught, I only got paid for band camp. After that, it was all volunteer stuff. Like someone said earlier, you don't become a percussion instructor to make money. I know I didn't. I spent more money (gas) last year than I made. This year, though, the BD decided to pay me, so that offset the rising gas prices some (I live 80 miles from the school I teach, so going back every Monday/Wednesday was really eating away at my bank account).

Back to the topic of raising money, try finding something that is low in price to make but easy to sell. You might even be able to get by with a "Please support our drumline" fund at a local store or something. I've also heard that doing Krispy Kreme fundraisers will net you a buttload of cash. Ask your parents to sell them during football games near the gate, and maybe even do it the old fashioned way and go door-to-door.

80 miles to the school? So a 160 mile round trip? Oh man, you must have great patience to drive that multiple times a week.

Ya man if i were your kids i would be repectful and gracious as hell