“TSLCA Booster Organization”

Parents/Boosters are a crucial part to the success of the Tarpon Springs Leadership Conservatory for the Arts and its students. In this program, the boosters fill an essential role in the day to day running of operations during its marching season and its concert/winter season. Parent/Boosters are always focused on prioritizing what the needs are of the students and instructors. Investing in a band booster network shows a commitment to further enhance a partnership within the community, along with the potential to expand the program as a whole, which provides the students with exceptional experiences.

TSLCA’s main objective for our advocacy initiative is always to inspire our parents to become part of the TSLCA Booster organization. From Fundraising to chaperoning and everything else in between that makes a strong booster organization. Which in turn is able to support the mission of the Tarpon Springs Conservatory for the Arts. To provide outstanding artistic experience, rigorous academics, and a leadership curriculum that develops each individual’s character and leadership skills. The study and performance of high quality/difficulty musical literature and dance routines, the Tarpon Springs Leadership Conservatory for the Arts allows students to develop an understanding and love for the art of music and dance in the process these skills will take them well into their adult lives. In striving to reach these goals, the students rehearse about 26 hours weekly from August through November (the standard marching season). No matter the conditions, the students always rise to the occasion, as do the band boosters parents who are right out there with them, making sure the students are hydrated, props are constructed and placed properly, and providing first aid each rehearsal. There is the saying “it takes a village” and with this program, that could never be truer. Both students and parents have a rigorous schedule, as Saturday practices run 11 hours long. Whilst they rehearse, boosters also set up lunch and dinner during rehearsal. Parents provide homemade meals and desserts for students, staff and their fellow volunteers. Boosters are always present ensuring students are fed and celebrated for the commitment in their pursuit of being the best version of themselves. For a student to believe in their own potential, one must encourage them when they are struggling, cheer them when they succeeded, that is how a TSLCA Parent/Booster chooses to spend their time every day.

time, talents, and skills in the pursuit to make the Outdoor Performance Ensemble (the name given to all students and staff that are a part of TSLCA program). These Parents/Boosters are heavily influential when it comes to raising money to support all that comes with being a nationally recognized marching band program. Without these dedicated individuals, it would be impossible to provide unique musical experiences for these very talented and devoted student performers who work tirelessly to be the best that they can be at their craft. Without these Band Booster Parente’s the vison of these wonderful and talented music directors would not see their creative ideas come to fruition. This is why these parents are so important. They always rise to meet the moment whatever the need is they are front and center to make it happen. Not only are they supporting a nationally recognized program, but they are doing it for their students. I think most of these men and woman -myself included- value the hard work music educators do each day with little to no administrative support. They are the bridge to getting ideas in motion. Part of this experience of a Parent Booster can include many opportunities including performance opportunities, logistics, and chaperoning. I believe it is safe to say without the strong involvement of parents/band boosters from a financial standpoint, some of these experiences would be unattainable.

The timeline for our Parent Boosters is really all year round it goes beyond the May first rehearsal to the final performance in November this is so in order to support the outdoor performance ensemble performance’s. At the same time there is planning going on for all season events, there is props to be made, and then dismantled then stored there is daily fundraising events monthly to support the band’s competitions, there is volunteer soliciting for local community events in the pursuit of building long and lasting partnership’s there are 3-5 rehearsals weekly needing parent coverage, there are 1st aid tents to ensure all student are hydrated and minor injuries that can come up address, throughout the whole season. Additionally there are performances at weekly football games .. students and boosters can often be found outside local stores and attending community events to perform for donations, selling chocolate, hosting car washes, or large events such as the annual auction gala, and outdoor music festival, and helping out at local sporting events. ins short it takes teams of Parent Booster’s t. organnize , stafff and coordinate all year round to meet the goals set for the Tarpon Springs Conservatory for the Arts.

As stated above the time commitment of the directors The TSLCA led by head director Kevin Ford, alongside guard director Jeannine Ford, and assistant directors Oliver Delotto and Dr. Tim Sexton. Really goes all year round at the end of one season they turn around and begin planning for the next year’s season and in between this they turn their focus to recruiting. When Marching season ends then begins concert season again Parent boosters must staff, organize and ensure there is enough coverage for concerts trips and school performance’s. The TSOPE has a frequent practice schedule, meeting four times weekly for rehearsals, totaling around 26 hours per week outside of the regular school schedule and extra-curriculars the students may have. The Band Booster program our non-profit organization made up of current and alumni and parent volunteers provides immense support, also devoting at least 40 to 60 hours hours weekly in various roles to help with the construction of props, organizing and taking care of uniforms, helping students in first aid, transportation of students, corrdinating memberships, making sure all students have yearly physical’s and have insurance often a booster parent who has cradentials will volunteer to provide free physcial with goal in mind to save parents some moneies. AS I have mentioned before Band Parent Boosters consistanly choose to use their time their skills and talents to support the Tarpon Springs Conservatory as best they can.

The TSLCA has various facilities located on the Tarpon Springs High School campus such as the new Conservatory for the Arts buildings (opened 2019, funded by the continued support of the band booster’s advocacy for new training facilities) which contains a main band hall, percussion room, jazz/orchestra room, private practice rooms, a uniform room, and a separate color guard training facility. This is in addition to a warehouse space where volunteers can be found planning and building props for our productions and a classroom on campus dedicated to storing sound equipment, extra waters, and snacks all for students during rehearsal. The TSLCA also over the years has been able to secure a back ensemble trailer, two semi-trucks, and a few prop trailers as well. Additionally, we have rented small moving trucks to help transport equipment and props to a competition.

The TSLCA is heavily involved on social media such as Instagram and Facebook, as each section, the guard, and jazz ensemble have their own page to promote upcoming events, recruit new members, and share experiences. The TSLCA uses our own website and YouTube channel to promote our organization, alongside local features on popular news sources such as ABC Action News (https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-pinellas/tarpon-springs-marching-band-takes-hamilton-from-the-theater-to-the-field) and the Tampa Bay Times (https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/music/2022/04/07/tarpon-springs-marching-band-to-perform-at-the-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade/). Additionally, students will perform at community events and spirit nights in the area. In doing so, the Conservatory has created partnerships with Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Valspar, and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Yes, our advocacy initiative thus far has been effective our fundraising opportunities in the 2021-22 school year enabled the outdoor performance ensemble to be able to travel and compete in Bands of America regionals in Johnson City, TN as well as Orlando, FL and place first at both events amongst other high level performing ensembles. In the winter guard season, the TSLCA World Guard (thanks to the fundraising initiative of the band boosters) were granted the opportunity to travel to perform in Dayton, Ohio at WGI and place sixth amongst many other high-level guards in their division. These performances have been posted online on popular sites like YouTube and Instagram, accumulating over fifteen thousand views. In being able to provide these students with these kinds of musical experience it was makes be a band parent booster words just don not convey the feelings one feels watching their student preform and light up because they hit the note that they were struggling with or the tears from a parent that felt that very same pride their child felt watching them hit it. This is why most all of us who are a Parent/ booster parents give up our time, maybe give up that vacation to save tuition fees, or save that vacation time to travel for a competition somewhere. In meeting the many challenges that arise in a given season and disappointments along the way make memories that will last a lifetime not just for the student but for the parent as well.

The TSLCA hosts a variety of events that positively impact the local community annually. For example, the TSLCA has hosted the annual Outdoor Music Festival for 25+ years, allowing for marching bands in the south-east to compete with other ensembles in the region. Local businesses are granted the opportunity to partner with the band and advertise at the event, which is attended by 16-20 bands each year, small business stands, and about 1,000 audience members. This event spotlights the school and the leadership conservatory for the arts organization and local businesses. From a district perspective, it is an opportunity for our district board members to come out to learn about and support the conservatory and other bands in the district. This event could not be possible without the efforts of the Band Booster program and the many hours they put in organizing and volunteering capturing sponsorships As I stated at the very beginning of this application, it takes a village to raise a child up. This program’s impact does just that for its 190+ students the impact that this program as had with in our community is one that has become pretty unique. When a person asks what high school has a good music program and the reply is Tarpon Spring High School Conservatory for the Arts, the response usually goes something like oh that is the best program in the county. You take a little pride knowing all the hard work that is put into this program from the directors to the students to the Parent Band Boosters just make it all worth-while.

Parent/Booster organizations should heavily focus on the engagement of parent along with the student. Once this is achieved, parent volunteers should place heavy emphasis on building a strong foundation for fundraising within the community and beyond.