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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0711.134 2008-2010<cUt luRA &AAA eiJ cAk. Movtik n , mr,A.Likn 2bto Aloha, my name is Suzi Bond and I am the executive and artistic director of Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network, a volunteer Theater Arts teacher at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences, a past president of the Hilo High School Band Boosters (for 3 years), last year's parade coordinator for the Volcano Community Association AND a registered voter. It makes me sick to think that the Hawaii County Band could possibly be eliminated. For over 15 years I have participated in and/or organized the Volcano Community's July 4th celebration. The Hawaii County Band is a big part of that celebration. Rain or shine (and believe me it has been more rain than shine) there they are. In rainy weather they have devised clever uses of plastic bags to protect their instruments so they can play. When they "Strike up the Band" to start the parade the energy goes up and everyone gets excited. There is nothing like a marching band! Volcano's 4th celebration would be the first event affected by the lose of the band, and the community will have a very bland parade. There is no other band available during the summer. As director of the summer musicals, for 15 years I have "employed" many members of this band to play in my orchestras alongside high school students. These talented musicians not only give of their time, but they provide a valuable mentoring tool. They help the students learn the ins and outs of playing in a very different situation then band concerts.Their expertise is invaluable and their musicianship is unmatched. If you want to see them at work with these kids, come see our summer musical: It would be a first for most of you. As president of the Hilo High School Band Boosters I have watched as students have moved from school band to the community band. They are so proud of themselves. This band gives `� Comm. No. 71 I • ! 34 Ref. To: Gdtt.VLC.( F MAR 2 2 20t0 Ref. Dote these students a glimpse of what it is like to be a professional musician and it inspires them to continue their studies in music. Music is an important learning tool. Studies have shown that the same synapses fire in the brain when a child learns music as when they learn math and science. If we want to see math scores rise, put music into the schools. I have dealt with the Hawaii County Band as a whole and as individuals. They are hard working talented people who give much more that they get. They purchase their own instuments and clothes so they can participate, an expense the county does not bear. These instruments are expensive and their upkeep is not cheap either. The "salaries" they receive barely cover these expenses. It would be an embarrassment to this county and especially to this council if they were not to see the wisdom and fund the band. Don't try to pull the "they should volunteer their time" drivel. If you expect these professionals to donate their time for the good of the county, then the same should be asked of all the county em- ployees starting at the top! I was ashamed when you on the council took a, pay raise as this economic situation worsened. If you want to make cuts start with your own pay. When Mayor Kenoi and you, the council, volunteer your time, then these professional will follow suit, until then, if you can find money for your own salaries you can find money to fund the band. Remember "Together We Can" Thank you r7,71ri 1-1 rn CI, Testimony given before council budget hearing on Monday, March 22, 2010 Aloha, my name is Suzi Bond and I am the executive and artistic director of Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network, a volunteer Theater Arts teacher at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences, a past president of the Hilo High School Band Boosters (for 3 years), last year's parade coordinator for the Volcano Community Association AND a registered voter. It makes me sick to think that the Hawaii County Band could possibly be eliminated. For over 15 years I have participated in and/or organized the Volcano Community's July 4th celebration. The Hawaii County Band is a big part of that celebration. Rain or shine (and believe me it has been more rain than shine) there they are. In rainy weather they have devised clever uses of plastic bags to protect their instruments so they can play. When they "Strike up the Band" to start the parade the energy goes up and everyone gets excited. There is nothing like a marching band! Volcano's 4th celebration would be the first event affected by the lose of the band, and the community will have a very bland parade. There is no other band available during the summer, As director of the summer musicals, for 15 years I have "employed" many members of this band to play in my orchestras alongside high school students. These talented musicians not only give of their time, but they provide a valuable mentoring tool. They help the students learn the ins and outs of playing in a very different situation then band concerts.Their expertise is invaluable and their musicianship is unmatched. If you want to see them at work with these kids, come see our summer musical. It would be a first for most of you. As president of the Hilo High School Band Boosters I have watched as students have moved from school band to the community band. They are so proud of themselves. This band gives these students a glimpse of what it is like to be a professional musician and it inspires them to continue their studies in music. Music is an important learning tool. Studies have shown that the same synapses fire in the brain when a child learns music as when they learn math and science. If we want to see math scores rise, put music into the schools. I have dealt with the Hawaii County Band as a whole and as individuals. They are hard working talented people who give much more that they get. They purchase their own instuments and clothes so they can participate, an expense the county does not bear. These instruments are expensive and their upkeep is not cheap either. The "salaries" they receive barely cover these expenses. It would be an embarrassment to this county and especially to this council if they were not to see the wisdom and fund the band. Don't try to pull the "they should volunteer their time" drivel. If you expect these professionals to donate their time for the good of the county, then the same should be asked of all the county employ- ees starting at the top! I was ashamed when you on the council took a, pay raise as this economic situa- tion worsened. If you want to make cuts start with your own pay. When Mayor Kenoi and you, the council, volunteer your time, then these professional will follow suit, until then, if you can find money for your own salaries you can find money to fund the band Remember "Together We Can's 0 Thank you 0 on co - 12v ri zt rn