Hi Everyone,
 
Please read the letter from Mr. Faul.  The letter talks about why we need to fundraise, I’m sure the answer will be enlightening to you!
 
When you think back over the year and recall all of the wonderful enriching experiences your student has had as a result of Mr. Faul’s band program I’m sure you will agree that the program is worth supporting.  I’m not just talking about the trips to festivals, which are great don’t get me wrong! ( The festivals offer an opportunity for students to prepare and perform to the very best of their ability in front of adjudicators and their peers for valuable feedback, constructive criticism as well as well earned praise. ) I am talking about the many other learning activities as well, such as the summer workshop with Professor Salzman, the clinics with professional musicians that are specialists in their field and the chance to participate in a recording session in a professional recording studio for the KPLU Jazz CD just to name a few.  I have to also mention the exposure to a variety of music literature and the great feeling of satisfaction that comes as a result of hard work (extremely valuable!).
 
Mr. Faul is always trying to provide students with the ultimate learning experience.  I have witnessed this process countless times and have often thought what if other teachers approached learning in this same way, what an incredible education that would be!  I have also witnessed Mr. Faul go out of his way to make sure students are introduced to professors or clinicians so that they can use the opportunity to ask questions and have a contact for the future such as potential college inquiries.  Mr. Faul has a respectable reputation for high standards that spreads far and wide so when students apply to colleges the professors  and the admissions department know and appreciate the type of music education the student has had.
 
Don’t underestimate the value of this program if your student is interested in attending college.  In my job I have the opportunity to talk with people in a variety of occupations, one such person is in the publicity department at the U of W.  She is involved in college fairs and knows what the UW is looking for in an applicant.  She said they want students that are strong academically and involved in activities. She said they are particularly interested in band students that have rigorously pursued music.  They look at music as an “academic” activity and see it as more desirable than most others. When MTHS was divided into five schools, the Reissuance school, which band was part of, had the largest percentage of students that went on to college and the largest percentage that received scholarships.
 
 Aren’t you lucky that your student is involved in the music program at MTHS?  Don’t you think it is worth supporting with a donation?  
 
Thank you,
 
Shaunne Walters
Music Booster President