Operating the East Mecklenburg Marching Band program costs about $60,000 a year, which includes instructors, equipment repair, transportation, music, drill, choreography and insurance, among other expenses. We've held these costs flat for a decade despite inflation, doing less with less each year.
CMS band funding hasn't kept pace with inflation, providing only about $1,000 annually for repairs, enough for roughly 5 instruments. Our students use 90-100 school-owned instruments, many dating back to the 1980s and 1990s and requiring yearly chemical cleaning due to outdoor marching use. Last year, the East Meck Band Boosters covered about $7,000 in repairs, a number likely to grow as our inventory continues to age.
As a 100% free and reduced lunch school, a significant number of East Meck students are economically disadvantaged. Each year, 10-20% of our students need financial assistance with band dues, which CMS does not provide.
We believe that all students should have the opportunity to participate in band, regardless of their economic situation. But we need your help.
We are raising funds for the 2026 season of the East Mecklenburg High School Marching Eagles. As a direct-give fundraiser, 100% of your contribution goes straight toward helping us cover essential costs like music arrangements, show choreography, competition fees and instrument repairs.
Your support means the world to our band family and helps us bring our absolute best to the field this season. Thank you for helping us reach our goal of $20,000!
