Acton-Boxborough
Friends of Music
A Non-Profit
Organization Dedicated to the Acton-Boxborough Performing Arts
Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
- Questions about student accounts
- Questions about fundraisers
- Questions about trips
- Questions about the band
- Questions about the chorus
Questions about student accounts
What are student accounts?
All ABRHS students in band, chorus, and color guard have a financial account set up in their name. Money raised from their individual fundraising efforts is credited to their account. A list of the current balances of the accounts is frequently posted in the band and chorus rooms by the FOM treasurer.
The account may be spent on items directly related to the ABRHS Music Department program (with clothing items ordered by school or FOM representatives), such as the following:
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Trip payments
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Chorus gown
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Tuxedo rental or purchase
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Band shoes
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Band gloves
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Suspenders
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Tuxedo shirt
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Garment bag
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Winter Percussion outfit
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Tickets to banquet for student and immediate family
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Replacement of damaged/lost uniform items
The account may not be used for the following:
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Chorus pumps
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District or All-State fees
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Drum major camp
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Tom Hannum camp
The student account could be debited to pay for missing fundraising materials and to pay fines for uniforms violations.
What happens to money that is left in a student's account when he or she graduates?
When students graduate from ABRHS, any remaining balances in their student accounts are set aside for the following year's scholarships and the Friends of Music general fund. Graduating seniors are not entitled to receive any balances remaining in their accounts. Families are permitted to shift balances from a graduating senior to a younger sibling already enrolled in the ABRHS Music program.
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Questions about fundraisers
What fundraisers are available?
Every year there are a variety of fundraising options. The following list includes some of the fundraisers that occur every year:
Car Wash
On at least one weekend, music students will work at the High School washing cars. Dates will be announced.
Pie Sale
Music students sell orders for pies and other desserts before the Thanksgiving holiday. These desserts will be delivered before Thanksgiving.
Is it mandatory to participate in the fundraisers?
No. But it is highly encouraged. The funds from the fundraisers go into student accounts to pay for trips and other things.
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What trips will we go on?
In Spring 2009 the chorus will travel to Canada for a concert tour of Montreal and Quebec City.
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Questions about the band
What are the different instrumental groups?
Marching Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Band. All students signed up for Band are automatically enrolled in both Marching Band and Concert Band. Tryouts are required for Jazz Band. Tryouts occur in the fall.Which events are band students expected to participate in?
Band students are expected to be at ALL band functions: camp, football games (both home and away games), all parades, competitions, car washes, Thanksgiving Day game, Super Bowl football game if AB makes the playoffs and all band concerts. There may be some events in the spring that the concert band will be expected to participate in. In some cases there will two or more events on one weekend, and your student is expected to be at all of them.Where and when should students arrive?
The students meet at the high school band room for all of their events. The band director announces the meeting time and posts it on the white board in the front of the band room. It is the band student's responsibility to be there on time with all his or her equipment and uniform pieces.Should students arrive at school with their uniforms already on?
All students need to have a garment bag in which to keep all the pieces of their uniform. Students should bring the garment bag to school for each performance. Most kids wear boxer shorts and a WHITE t-shirt under their band uniform in cooler weather and layers of long underwear in colder weather. The kids often wear their black shoes and black socks and uniform pants and a white t-shirt on the bus and then put on their jackets, hats and gloves on the bus. They should have extra black socks and extra white gloves in their garment bags!Do students really need to wear black socks?
YES! As they march along you really do notice the kids who are not wearing black socks! They should have several pair of black socks.When and where do they get band shoes and gloves?
During band camp each student is fitted for a uniform. At that time, students can order band shoes, gloves, a garment bag and concert shirts. More details about band uniformsBack to Top
Questions about the chorus
What are the different choral groups?There are three choral groups at ABRHS: Concert Choir, Women's Ensemble and Madrigals. In an effort to keep a balance between male and female voices in Concert Choir, all 9th grade girls are assigned to Women's Ensemble. Tryouts are required for Madrigals. Tryouts occur in the spring for the membership in the following year.
In addition, there are several student-organized a cappella groups: 13 Fish Named Jennifer, Downbeat, and Omnivocal. Tryouts for these groups occur in the spring. These groups set their own practice schedule.
What is the uniform for the Chorus?
For women, the uniform consists of a long black, short-sleeved gown, skin-colored nylons, and a necklace. For men, the uniform consists of a black tuxedo including a white shirt, black cummerbund, and a black bow tie. Both men and women must wear black dress shoes - no sneakers!How do I get the uniform?
Uniforms will be distributed early in the school year before the first concert.How much will I need to pay for my Chorus uniform?
Uniforms may be purchased or rented. If these presents a financial hardship, please have a parent contact your director in writing as soon as possible.Do I need to provide any other portions of the uniform myself?
Yes. Shoes and socks.How do I care for my uniform?
Keep your uniform pressed and clean. The gowns may be dry-cleaned or washed in Woolite on a gentle cycle. Men should dry-clean their tuxes, but shirts can often be laundered - check the label.