In Orchestra, we use a tiered fee system, designed to eliminate the problem of “nickel and diming” our families. By streamlining the costs associated with Orchestra, our hope is that it will make it easier for you to pay for orchestra supplies, buses, etc. up-front, rather than having several fees and deadlines throughout the year.
THIS IS NOT A FEE TO BE IN ORCHESTRA. This money pays for things you would normally have to send money in for separately. All we’ve done is combine everything into ONE base fee, which can be paid out over time, or all at once. If you choose to pay over time, please pay according to the payment schedules detailed below.
We accept cash, checks made out to TPMS Orchestra, and credit card payments through PayPal at CHARMS. Fee balances are always available on Charms as well. (Please allow us to finish updating students’ information into Charms.)
| Symphonic Orchestra
$7 T-Shirt $3 Binder and dividers $10 All-Region Entry Fee $10 Solo and Ensemble Entry Fee $5 Holiday Tour T-Shirt (nursing home trip) $25 Holiday Tour, UIL, Festival Fees and Buses $10 Uniform Deposit (girls only) $70 Spent throughout the year (girls) $60 Spent throughout the year (boys)
OPTIONAL PAYMENT PLAN: $20 Due before Oct. 1, 2017 $20 Due before Nov. 1, 2017 $20/30 Due before Dec. 1, 2017 |
Concert and Intermediate Orchestras
$7 T-Shirt $3 Binder and dividers $5 Solo and Ensemble Entry Fee $10 UIL Fees and Buses $10 Uniform Deposit (girls only) $35 Spent throughout the year (girls) $25 Spent throughout the year (boys)
OPTIONAL PAYMENT PLAN: $10 Due before Oct. 1, 2017 $10 Due before Nov. 1, 2017 $5/15 Due before Dec. 1, 2017 |
| Philharmonic Orchestra
$7 T-Shirt $3 Binder and dividers $10 Solo and Ensemble Entry Fee $25 Festival and UIL Fees and Buses $10 Uniform Deposit (girls only) $55 Spent throughout the year (girls) $45 Spent throughout the year (boys)
OPTIONAL PAYMENT PLAN: $20 Due before Oct. 1, 2017 $15 Due before Nov. 1, 2017 $10/20 Due before Dec. 1, 2017 |
Beginner Orchestra
$7 T-Shirt $3 Binder and dividers $20 Festival Fees and Buses $5 Solo and Ensemble Entry Fee $35 Spent throughout the year
OPTIONAL PAYMENT PLAN: $15 Due before Oct. 1, 2017 $10 Due before Nov. 1, 2017 $10 Due before Dec. 1, 2017 |
**Instrument Maintenance Fee – $50 – applies ONLY to students who use a school instrument as their primary instrument, and covers string and repair costs as well as a shoulder rest or cello/bass strap, rosin and a cleaning cloth. (Any repairs due to negligence costing more than $50 will be assessed by the directors and may need to be paid by parents above and beyond the $50 maintenance fee.) This fee may be spread into $20 due Oct. 1st, $20 due Nov. 1st, and $10 due Dec. 1st.
Individual Beginner Expenses (if not already purchased):
$9 – Orchestra Expressions Book 1 (All beginner students must purchase this book.)
$30 – Shoulder Rest (All Violin/Viola students must have an approved shoulder rest.)
$15 – Cello Strap (Cello only, optional)
$3 – Rosin (All Violin/Viola/Cello students should purchase rosin if not already included in rental instrument.)
$3 – Cleaning Cloth (All instruments require a cleaning cloth; a cut-up cotton t-shirt will also suffice.)
**Each of these items may be purchased at a music store or through TPMS Orchestra. Please pay for supplies by Nov. 1st.
NOTE: Please plan to make your first payment by Oct. 1, 2017. Feel free to make payments in installments toward the total due until the full amount has been paid. Please visit CHARMS for updated fee statements as you pay.
Please contact Ms. Milbrandt at milbrandtj@cfbisd.edu with questions.