I know I will get blasted for this, but do these kids have parents? Can't they help offset the cost to send their kid for a really nice trip to the west coast?
I know this is simple math, but if they can send 50 kids at $1000 per, then they have allocated $50,000 towards a total cost of $150,000. That would equate out to a need for an additional $100,000 or $666.66 per kid for all 150 (why chose which ones get to go, etc.). Ask the parents to pay at least half of that and/or find a corporate sponsor or two to pay the rest. Or worse case, find 150 donors to pay $666.66
What am I missing?
Note to BoP, go with the "the school will look good" argument and not the "the band deserves this" argument.
I've been trying to get an account set up with the Foundation for my fraternity since last March. I have recontacted the head person again to see what the hold up is and if not set one up for the BOP. I knew this issue was coming soon and I tried to solve it before it got here. To answer one question, I know most of our parents can't afford to pay half our expenses or at least I know mine can't. For most, this is the first time they have ever flown anywhere. I am hoping to get the account setup or something and get hard numbers to get this issue resolved. I know I've provided hard numbers for Tau Upsilon Beta Alpha for what we need.
I will not blast you. I don't have a problem with them coming up with at least part of the money- maybe half is too much. No, they shouldn't have to, but life is not fair as I explain to my children all the time. At this point, unless they can find the additional money, paying part looks like it may be the only shot they have. I am curious about what the $1k per member is comprised of - I am assuming they will stay 4 to a room, fly, have buses there for transportation as needed, and will get some type of money for food. Does this total $1k- I don't know- it seems to me this may be done a little cheaper but I have not researched it.
As a former player, I spent plenty of Thanksgiving breaks in Ruston away from family. I also spent plenty of summers there too. I am all for the whole band being able to go to the bowl game but don't try to tell me people were justified missing the last game. As a member of any of the groups, athletics, band, or spirit, you make a commitment. Sacrifices are made. I am sure the members that decided not to attend the last game would have survived missing out on Turkey day for four years.
I agree with this. Only the ones that showed up for the game last Sat., should be allowed to go to the Bowl game. There were lots of us that drove over 200 miles one way and sat in the rain to support the team. The dorms were opened for everyone to come back to the game. They have no excuse for staying away. Those that stayed away are the ones that will not support Tech after they graduate. I will donate money to help send the ones that were at the game Sat. I will not donate to send the ones that didn't show up.
to be honest we'll probably still look pretty scrappy even with the whole band there. i know the band does everything they can but when they are next to other school bands they get overshadowed real quick. the whole program needs more money not just for traveling.
I think it is for threads JUST LIKE THIS that I continue to lurk on bbb.
Point of Order; since this thread has become sidetracked (like most of the band threads tend to do).
There are separate issues.
1. Some are upset that the FULL band did not attend the last regular season home game. I understand the frustration about this, but frankly this is not the point of THIS thread.
2. Why can't the band/director raise their own money (like the sports teams)?
and
3. only 1/3 of the band is going to the bowl game.
Point 2: Football, basketball, etc are extracurricular activities. No academic focus (other than keeping them in school). The coaches (head coaches at least) do not head up their fund raising activities; that generally is spear headed by the AD and his office and the coaches are brought in to enhance the project.
Band at Tech is an academic program. The director's job is to TEACH; first and foremost. Typically that means the director is teaching 2/3 other courses in addition to whatever else his department head heaps upon him WHILE directing the marching and basketball bands.
Yes he has a budget (which was slashed drastically in 2007); but that budget only typically includes enough for a pep band to travel to a regional game (if that). Typically, he has had to ask for additional funds to make those trips happen (ole miss, lsu). For comparison; At my current position, the entire university (academic AND athletics) does not want me worrying about raising funds or even where they come from; they just want to know that when the band is needed; it is there and ready to go (we have been sent as a full band to every post season opportunity since I have arrived). and we are NOT D1.
3. Tech is D1; Tech is trying to walk in big boy shoes, be in a big boy conference and make a distinction between themselves and the SB and everyone else they feel they need to; IF that is the case; You send your ENTIRE contingent; put your best foot forward; you give San Diego the FULL MEAL DEAL. Show them everything that Louisiana Tech has to offer.
No the team does not NEED it; but Tech does. other bowls are watching; other universities are watching; and they keep score.
So in the light of eternity; the BoP is upset; they may not voice it well; kids rarely do.
The victory is not hanging in the balance of 100 band members; but the future of tech athletics and the respect of the university in the eyes of those watching MIGHT be...
just my two cents
gary