On Thursday, August 9, 2007, The FHHS Band and Band Boosters kicked off the new school year with a Fall '07 Band Preview, followed by the first FHHS Band Booster meeting of the school year.  There was a wonderful turn out for the event. In attendance were families of many new and returning band students, as well as Bill Myhr, the new Superintendent for the Fountain Hills School District. 

At the Fall '07 Band Preview, Fountain Hills High School Music Director, Lynn Truby introduced the new Drum Major for the year, Brendan Derr, along with the ‘07/'08 Band Council.  Band Students, who had been hard at work all week at the School's Band Camp, gave a preview performance of the music they will be playing for the marching band season.

Following the Band Preview, the FHHS Band Boosters held their first meeting of the school year.  Topics of the meeting included introduction of Officers, an overview of the FHHS Band Boosters, upcoming fundraising events, request for suggestions from new members and a brief Q&A.  The Band Boosters are currently seeking volunteers, sponsorships and contributions for the 2007/2008 school year.  

Volunteer opportunities include:  

• Assisting with Fundraising Activities
• Soliciting Grants & Corporate Sponsorships
• Tax Donor Promotion
• Sewing and Alterations of Band Uniforms
• Assisting with Local Events & Banquets
• Chaperoning Band Events such as Away Games, Parades and Competitions
• Publicity and Photography
• Concessions at the Football Games

To volunteer with the FHHS Band Boosters, please contact Joanne Powell at by phone at 480-215-9374 or by email at jpred639092@yahoo.com.

Corporate sponsorships are available. These sponsorships include receiving advertising on the Band's banner which will be carried by the band in several parades throughout the year and displayed at all home football games.  For more information, contact the Corporate Sponsorship Chairperson, Bonny Puckett, by phone at 480-205-6324 or by email at Bonny@FountainHillsHomeSales.com.

You may also contribute to the Fountain Hills High School Band through the Arizona State Tax Credit program.  Simply make a contribution in any amount you feel comfortable with, and your contribution will be offset by a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for the applicable tax year - up to $400 per tax return if married, filing jointly, and up to $200 if filing single or head of household.  Tax credit contributions can be made at Fountain Hills High School or online at http://www.fountainhillsschools.org/hs/.  Please make sure to specify that your contribution be allocated to "Fine Arts/Band". Also, if you would like your contribution credited toward a particular student, please make sure to specify the student's name. Half of each tax credit contribution applied towards an individual student will go toward funding that student's Spring Band/Choir Trip.  

The FHHS Band Boosters meet on the first Thursday of each month throughout the school year. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 7:00pm, in the Choir Room at the High School.  Anyone interested in participating is welcome to attend these meetings and volunteer with the organization.

About the Fountain Hills High School Music Program and Band Boosters

Several years ago, Fountain Hills High School lost its music program completely due to district budget cuts.  With community support and the help of dedicated music education professionals, they were able to bring back the program. However, they were not able to bring the budget. 

For the last few years, the music program has been allotted a mere $800 per year to fund the marching band, symphonic band, jazz band, choir, band fronts (including pom & flag) and two guitar classes.  This budget is meant to support all travel costs to and from football games, parades, workshops, and competitions, as well as equipment and repair costs, uniforms, music scores, and much more. 

The Fountain Hills High School Band Boosters was formed to help support the music department where funding lacks.  The Band Boosters coordinates fundraising activities, seeks grants and corporate sponsorships, provides assistance and chaperones for music program events, operates the concession stand at Fountain Hills High School home football games, and much more. Through community support, and the generosity of donors, they have been able to raise the funds necessary to keep the Fountain Hills High School music program operating.