What Boosters Actually Need to Know Before Spending the Money There was a question in a group recently: “If we hire out sound design or an engineer for marching band, what does it cost? And do boosters usually pay for it?” That question tells me something important. There’s confusion about what “sound design” actually means. Let’s break it down. 1. Sound Design vs. Field Engineering (They’re Not the Same Thing) 🎼 Sound Design Sound design is the creative layer . It includes: Electronic...

A Practical Guide for Booster Clubs, Nonprofit Boards, and Fine Arts & Sports Booster Organizations If you’ve ever searched: “Booster board conflict” “How to fix nonprofit board tension” “Booster club bylaws confusion” “Parent booster drama” “Nonprofit board authority roles” “Sports booster financial oversight” “How to run a booster club meeting” “Volunteer board burnout” You are not alone. Most booster clubs and small nonprofit boards experience governance issues long before they recognize...

A Reflection on Facing the Giants There’s a moment every season when I feel it again. Not during the applause.Not when the scores are announced. Not even when the drumline locks in and the stadium shakes. It hits later. Usually in a parking lot. Or on a bus ride home. Or when I’m standing in the back of a rehearsal space watching a kid who isn’t mine. And I realize something that has nothing to do with music. It wasn’t the music. It was us. Facing the Giants Every program has them. The kid...