WINNEMUCCA — Once upon a time, in the not so distant past, the band program offered by the Humboldt County School District was a quality affair with enough students participating to entertain attendees during half-time at football games and other events.

Over time money dwindled for the program along with participation.  With staff spread thin, instruments in a sorry state, and scheduling conflicts for students, the state of the band program is in need of revival.

Superintendent Mike Bumgartner, himself a former band & music instructor, was recently before the HCSD Board of Trustees (Dec. 13), along with band instructor Dave Munk, to talk about growing the program.

After years of decline, he noted, the number of students at French Ford Middle School and Winnemucca Jr. High School has increased slightly, which positively benefits the Lowry High School band program in the long run.

However, the growth rate was smaller than anticipated.  Some of the issues negatively impacting band involvement involve scheduling. For example, students who wanted to take band at WJHS had to commit  for the school year – at the exclusion of all other electives he or she might be interested in pursing.  This was partially addressed and now students may opt out of PE or reading – if they’re otherwise reading at grade level – to take band.

At FFMS students taking band were assigned the same team teachers so band could more easily be scheduled.

Other issues will be harder to address, such as the lack of funding for additional staff to teach band, the antiquated instruments, and lack of funding to repair/replace broken instruments.  According to Bumgartner, some of the instruments are 50 years old and are due to be replaced.

At issue, of course, is funding.  At a time when schools are prioritizing programs due to budget cuts, it’s not about what’s nice but what the district can afford.

Additionally, while other school programs have parent/community organizations supporting them and raising money for equipment, etc, at this time band does not have that level of support.

Recognizing the budget constraints, Bumgartner asked only that the board adopt a philosphy promoting band.  He asked the philosophy include language that supports the idea that every child who wants to participate may, that there be no barriers to a child’s participation, and the program must include everyone who would like to participate.

He said he understands times are tough and it’s a bad time to ask for money,  but it will take money to grow the program.

At the top of the needs list is a  dedicated staff who are knowledgeable about band instruction and are also energetic and enthusiastic, Bumgartner noted.  He added ideally there should be more instructional time at WJHS and FFMS, which would  ultimately benefit the Lowry program.

In the near future Bumgartner would like to see a line item yearly for the band program, to include $15,000 for instruments, $2,000 for repairs, and $1,000 for a music library.

The district currently provides about $4,000 for the program.

In the very near future Bumgartner said an additional $10,000-$15,000 for part-time personnel would be necessary to have increased instruction.   Best-case scenario, but down the road, an additional $75,000 for personnel.

Adopting a philosophy that supports the program, however, will cost nothing and Bumgartner asked the board to pursue that measure.  Additionally, increased funding for instruments, repair, and music won’t cost much, but the issue will be revisited during budget discussions.