Starting a Community Band for Youth

[dmgsutton]

So, I have been thinking about wanting to start a community band for youth. The only issue with that is that I have no idea where to get started, and I am not sure about legal aspects of doing this, either. (Insurance, money, etc.)
If anyone could help that would be great.

[Dan Schultz]

I founded a community band in 2000 that's done rather well. It's mostly 'come-back' players. You can see the particulars, by-laws, etc. by going to http://www.olddamband.com

If I was interested in founding a youth-oriented band.... I think I would research programs already in existence that cater to 'needy' youths such as perhaps a church based outreach that might be interesting in co-sponsoring such a band.

Public schools won't be interested since they tend to keep students rather busy these day. However... depending on the size of your area... there might be enough home-schooled kids to work with.

In my opinion... before you do anything, insurance and a 501(c)3 certification should be approached. Of course... if you decide to do a co-sponsorship with an existing youth organization, those things might already be in place.

[dmgsutton]

I founded a community band in 2000 that's done rather well. It's mostly 'come-back' players. You can see the particulars, by-laws, etc. by going to http://www.olddamband.com

If I was interested in founding a youth-oriented band.... I think I would research programs already in existence that cater to 'needy' youths such as perhaps a church based outreach that might be interesting in co-sponsoring such a band.

Public schools won't be interested since they tend to keep students rather busy these day. However... depending on the size of your area... there might be enough home-schooled kids to work with.

In my opinion... before you do anything, insurance and a 501(c)3 certification should be approached. Of course... if you decide to do a co-sponsorship with an existing youth organization, those things might already be in place.

I had actually thought about finding such an outreach, but I wouldn't want it to be associated with a church simply because kids that aren't oriented with the church or maybe even the religion may be less likely to join. I might go with a Boys & Girls Club because they would have the right kinds of certification and insurance, but still I am a bit weary about even that, again because they would feel that they have to be associated with something and may be less likely to join.
Also, I don't know that I would call the age group that I was thinking of working with 'needy.' But I would definitely need some help.
I had also thought about going to the local music store to see if they might be able to 'sponsor' the band by supplying instruments at a cheaper renting rate and allowing us to use some larger percussion instruments (assuming they have them or would get them for us, but I don't know about that). I also know of a few private schools here that have no music program whatsoever, and I think that it would be great for those schools to maybe help sponsor a band for those who would like to be in a musical ensemble, like some of their students would, I'm sure.
At any rate, I am going to pursue this goal until I achieve it, and I appreciate the help. Thanks!

[TubaSailor]

I don't know if you're in an urban or rural area, but if there's a 4-H program near you, they may be able to help - they would have all the insurance, etc. 4-H can do almost anything that kids are interested in and an adult volunteers to lead. It really isn't all about the animals - (I teach shooting sports for them)

[dmgsutton]

I don't know if you're in an urban or rural area, but if there's a 4-H program near you, they may be able to help - they would have all the insurance, etc. 4-H can do almost anything that kids are interested in and an adult volunteers to lead. It really isn't all about the animals - (I teach shooting sports for them)

There actually is a 4-H program here. I never thought about that. That could actually be perfect! And of course it isn't all about the animals. I'll try and get ahold of them and see what happens.

[Bandmaster]

I started a youth marching band from scratch back in 1984 and kept it running for 16 years. When I first started getting insurance was easy, but then thing changed and became almost impossible to get someone to sell it to you. I eventually discovered that I could make the band an explorer post of the Boy Scouts of America and get their insurance to cover us for $5 per student. So check with your local BSA. Our local council was thrilled to have us involved with them.

[tubarepair]

A successful operation to model might be the Alachua (FL) County Youth Orchestra. Been around a long time and thrives despite a lack of string ensemble education in most of the pucblic schools. I'd suggest contacting longtime conductor - and former UF Assoc Director of Bands - Gary Langford. http://www.acyo.org/" target="_blank

[hup_d_dup]

My first question is, do you have any experience in the governance of an adult band? If not, you will get answers to many of your questions by joining the board of a local community band. More importantly, you will get the answers to questions you haven't thought of.

The board will keep you busy. It's a lot of work to run a band. And I'm talking about an adult band where the musicians already read music, have previous band experience and own their own instruments.

My suggestion is spend a year on the board of a local band. In addition to learning the ropes, you will be involved with group of people who may want to support your youth band when you get it running.

Hup

[dmgsutton]

I started a youth marching band from scratch back in 1984 and kept it running for 16 years. When I first started getting insurance was easy, but then thing changed and became almost impossible to get someone to sell it to you. I eventually discovered that I could make the band an explorer post of the Boy Scouts of America and get their insurance to cover us for $5 per student. So check with your local BSA. Our local council was thrilled to have us involved with them.

Another good Idea. And I have some friends who are leaders of the local Boys Scouts branch. Might be worth a try.

A successful operation to model might be the Alachua (FL) County Youth Orchestra. Been around a long time and thrives despite a lack of string ensemble education in most of the pucblic schools. I'd suggest contacting longtime conductor - and former UF Assoc Director of Bands - Gary Langford. http://www.acyo.org/" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

I will definitely contact him and see what he can tell me about his experience and how it has been kept running!

My first question is, do you have any experience in the governance of an adult band? If not, you will get answers to many of your questions by joining the board of a local community band. More importantly, you will get the answers to questions you haven't thought of.

The board will keep you busy. It's a lot of work to run a band. And I'm talking about an adult band where the musicians already read music, have previous band experience and own their own instruments.

My suggestion is spend a year on the board of a local band. In addition to learning the ropes, you will be involved with group of people who may want to support your youth band when you get it running.

Hup

I hadn't thought about that. Maybe I should do that. There is a local community band, and I would love to have that experience, as well.