The Ypsilanti Community High School Band Program is a program rooted deeply in tradition. As the product of both the Ypsilanti Public Schools' and Willow Run Schools' music programs, it is important for us to recognize the legacy of both of the programs we leave behind while focusing on the direction the program is headed.Last year, out of the 4,130 students in our district, over 3,100 qualified for free or reduced lunch, meaning approximately 75% of the families-of-four in our district make less than $33,000 per year. For a student to participate in all of the activities of the band program, this costs upwards of $400 per student, with the Spring tour adding an additional $600 on to their fees. This is out of range for many of our families and we are hoping that you can help.The current program has recently seen great success on many levels of performance, including superior ratings at Solo and Ensemble, quality performances at District Band Festival, post game performances at Eastern Michigan Football games, a second place finish at the State Championships for Indoor Color Guard, and a First Place Finish at the Windy City Classic Band Festival in Chicago, Illinois. In order to continue on this trend, it is necessary for the students to have the resources to learn, practice, and perform.Along with the constant need for instrument repairs, maintenance supplies, music, and uniform repairs, the band is also planning a Spring Tour to Boston, where the Wind Symphony and Jazz Band will perform at the Kennedy Institute, and all students attending will be given the opportunity to take master classes from members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Outside of the classroom, the marching band also travels annually to band camp, where they learn the fundamentals of marching, playing and their halftime as well as pregame shows.As the Director of Bands, it is my responsibility to lead these students in the right direction. These students deserve to have the kind of program that can match their spirit and passion towards the musical arts. We appreciate any thought you can give to helping our students in the hopes of keeping music education in our public school district alive and growing.Thank you,Adam CollinsDirector of BandsYpsilanti Community High School