What is a Fair Share Contribution?   A Fair Share Contribution - or FSC - is requested for each student participating in the various band, guard, and percussion ensembles. 

Wasn't this once called a "fee?" The new naming - Fair Share Contribution (FSC) - is a response to PUSD direction; it is a better description of the purpose for the request for a contribution to programs where all expenses are shared by participating students, such as music and sports.

Has anything else changed?  No. This is simply a name change. AFM continues to depend on the contributions of members for the support of the terrific music programs at Amador.  It remains that if we do not collect sufficient contributions to cover expenses, over time the band programs would naturally have to sacrifice elements in order to keep a realistic financial prospective; overall, the ability for the music program to continue with its current quality or configuration of events depends on a strong and consistent commitment to the Fair Share Contribution.

How it the FSC determined? Together with the music directors, the AFM board details an expense budget for Core (general expenses for all ensembles), Marching Band and Colorguard, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Winter Programs (Guard and Percussion).  The expenses for each ensemble and Core are amortized across the number of participants per ensemble, resulting in a per student FSC.

Can my student still participate if our family is unable to contribute the FSC?  Yes!  Students should participate, regardless of ability to contribute; this has been and continues to be the policy of PUSD and AFM.

Can I fund-raise for my student's FSC?  Yes.  Various fundraisers are offered year-round which can directly contribute towards your student's FSC:  SCRIP, eScrip, program sales at the Scottish Games, beverage sales at Concord and Shoreline Pavillions.  These programs are described at the AFM website.

What is the FSC for my student for 2011-2012? 

Core + Marching Band:   $980       (all marching band &colorguard)
Concert Bands:                 $35
Jazz Bands:                        $45
Winter Programs:            $615        ( includes championship trip )

The FSC's include all expenses shared by all students, and include components such as additional teaching staff, transportation, lodging, some meals, equipment repair, show design and consultation, music and arranging, among other items.

Additional and separate expenses (not included in the FSC) may include (as needed):  marching shoes, formal attire (WEI and WEII), optional ear plugs, some meals.

When should I contribute?  You will be contacted by the AFM Treasurer with a statement listing the Fair Share Contributions for your student, and any recorded fundraising contributions.  While timely contributions assist the cash flow of AFM, extended installment contributions are easily accommodated.

A final word: The AFM board is committed to the vision of the music directors.  We are equally committed to keeping expenses as low as possible while fulfilling this vision.  And all students are welcome to participate, regardless of ability to contribute to an FSC.  We trust in the stewardship of each generation of music families to continue the tradition of excellent music education at Amador Valley High School.

AFM members are encouraged to attend regularly scheduled AFM Board Meetings and All-Member Meetings to learn more about the Amador Friends of Music's mission and activities.

Marilyn Palowitch, AFM President, 2010-2011
Steve Kirch, AFM President, 2011-2012
Dave Harford, AFM Treasurer, 2010-2012