When Clarkston football fans enjoy a Friday night complete with marching band performance, many don’t know about the driving force behind those student musicians: the Clarkston Instrumental Music Association.
Run primarily by parents of band students throughout the district, the organization’s main function is to help support Clarkston High School’s marching band, an annual endeavor that requires $20,000-$25,000.
‘The biggest chunk goes to the marching band,? said Doug Baker, CIMA treasurer. ‘It’s a variety of stuff.?
There is no fee to join the organization, unlike some other support groups in the schools. Also, the boosters help facilitate not only the marching band, but also the middle school band and orchestra programs as well.
Some of the events hosted by CIMA include orchestra clinics for students and a large band invitational, held for the marching band, every fall.
‘Probably the biggest thing we do is the band invitational,? Baker said.
The invitational features 15 bands. CIMA is responsible for concessions during the event, selling programs and securing admission fees. The group raised about $8,000 during the Oct. 2 invitational.
In addition to the larger fund-raisers, the group often does smaller fund-raisers such as fruit sales, bake sales and cookie dough drops.
Providing such funding is extremely important for the students.
‘Asithere’s been funding cutbacks by the state, the district’s been forced to look at ways to use all funds, so there’s more demand from groups like us,? Baker said.
During the CHS marching band season, the group meets every Monday night to work on various topics. When marching is done, usually around November, the group meets the first Monday of every month.
‘We always seem to get the volunteers we need,? Baker said. ‘The parent turnout is good.?