Jazz Parent's Handbook 

SOUTHERN REGIONAL JAZZ BAND PARENTS ASSOCIATION 2026
Parent Meeting Information

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Thank you to everyone who attended our parent meeting. For families who could not attend, and as a reference for everyone, below is the complete information and agenda for the Southern Regional Jazz Band Parents Association (SRJBPA) for the 2026 season. Please keep this information for future reference.​

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WELCOME
Thank you for supporting Southern Regional’s Middle School and High School Jazz programs. Our parent organization exists to support student musicians and help provide the experiences that make this program special.

SRJBPA EXECUTIVE BOARD 2025–2026
President: Christine Broadley (Andrew Broadley)
Vice President: Katie Seifert (Jack Seifert)
Treasurer: Michelle Vandenberge (Miles Vandenberge)
Recording/Corresponding Secretary: Lou-Ann Keppler (Matt Keppler)

 

WHO WE ARE
SRJBPA is a parent organization supporting both the Middle School and High School Jazz programs. Participation requires only a small time commitment:
• Two meetings per year
• Helping at our major events
• Offering ideas and suggestions to support the program

All parents are encouraged to become members, attend meetings, and help at our three annual events: Java & Jazz and two Jazz Festivals.

Membership dues help offset costs early in the season and include two Jazz Festival admission tickets per family. Volunteers are essential to making events successful. Please review the Parent Handbook on the jazz website and watch for upcoming Sign-Up Genius links.

Important: Information is sent via email, so please make sure your child’s director has your correct contact information.

 

WELCOME TO NEW PARENTS
We especially welcome families new to the jazz program. Middle School parents are incredibly important as they represent the future of the program. Helping now gives you experience for future years. Please review the handbook available on the jazz website.

 

BAND DIRECTORS
Mr. Wright – Middle School Jazz Ensemble
Mr. Dondero – High School Jazz Band
Mrs. Hodgson – High School Jazz Ensemble

Program website: www.southernjazz.info

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WHY WE FUNDRAISE
Funds raised support many program activities, including:
• Jazz Camp day with guest clinicians and meals
• Guest clinicians working with students during the season
• Clinic Day where clinicians work with all bands and perform at Java & Jazz
• Jazz shirts ($53; Jazz Ensemble students pay $28)
• End-of-year Jazz Softball event with pizza and ice cream
• Jazz Festival judges, trophies, awards, and event expenses

We also seek trophy sponsors and program boosters to offset festival costs.

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REMIND TEXT UPDATES FOR PARENTS
Text 81010 and join:
@srjazze – HS Jazz Ensemble
@srjband – HS Jazz Band
@26srmsjazz – MS Jazz Ensemble

Remind texts provide updates about meetings, events, and donation needs.

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BUDGET INFORMATION
Because our events occur near the end of the season, each year’s fundraising supports the following season.

Current balance: approximately $10,000–$11,000
Seasonal operating needs: $10,000–$15,000

Payments are accepted via credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Venmo.

Membership dues are $25 per family and include two Jazz Festival admission tickets. Membership forms and dues may be submitted at meetings or via available payment methods.

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JAZZ FESTIVALS

High School Festival
Friday, March 6 — approximately 4:00–10:00 PM

Middle School Festival
Friday, March 20 — approximately 4:00–8:00 PM

Location: SRSD Auditorium

These judged competitions showcase student talent and raise funds through ticket and food sales.

Ticket pricing:
Adults: $10
Two free admissions per family with paid membership
Free for children 12 and under
$1 for Southern staff, students, and alumni
Seniors: $5

Goals include building larger audiences for students and increasing fundraising through concessions.

Additional notes:
• Digital programs include band listings and sponsors.
• Trophy and booster sponsorship forms are on the website.
• Students may present sponsored trophies.
• MC volunteers help between performances.
• Volunteers are needed for ticket sales, food, judges’ room meals, and event operations.
• Volunteers rotate so all parents can see performances.
• Closing times will be announced and food moved afterward.

We are also seeking grocery store gift card donations to offset food costs.

Food offerings:
Middle School Festival (Hallway service) — Nachos, hot dogs, chips, candy, drinks
High School Festival (Cafeteria service) — Pizza, mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, veggie dish, nachos, candy, drinks, chips

Sign-Up Genius links will be sent for donations and volunteer shifts.

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JAVA & JAZZ
Sunday, May 3
3:00–5:00 PM - 11/12 Cafeteria

A coffeehouse-style performance featuring all three jazz bands and guest performers. This event often sells out.
 

Tickets:
Adults: $10
Children: $5
Includes desserts and beverages.
 

Advance ticket sales begin in March. Purchasing eight tickets reserves a table.

Volunteers are needed for setup (typically the day before from 10:00–12:00), dessert donations, drink and dessert stations, and cleanup. Sign-Up Genius links will follow.

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SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SENIORS
All graduating seniors attending college are encouraged to apply via the jazz website.

Deadline: March 1.

Scholarships are awarded as follows:
$50 per year of participation in grades 7–12
Students must participate in 12th grade
An additional $50 bonus is awarded for participation in two bands in one year

Checks are distributed by the Treasurer. A board member attends Scholarship Night to present awards. Checks must be cashed by September 2026 or funds return to the program.

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FUNDRAISERS

Jersey Mike’s Fundraiser
Friday, February 20 — all day
50% of proceeds benefit the program.

Snap! Raise Campaign
Launches March 2
Four-week campaign (extendable to five)
85% of funds go to the program
Minimum donation $25
No minimum participation required
Donation reward tiers unlock prizes at 5, 10, 15, and 20 donations.

Gift Basket Raffle at Java & Jazz
Themed baskets are assembled using donations of new items or gift cards from families and businesses. Volunteers are needed to assemble baskets and write descriptions.

Lottery ticket donations ($1 or $5 tickets) are also requested for raffle prizes.

We are open to new fundraising ideas, including dine-out events.

SRJBPA operates as an “All Hands on Deck” organization. Support is essential to continue providing strong programming each year.

Payments may be made via Venmo or the band room drop boxes. Please clearly label payments with the student’s name.

 

JAZZ SOFTBALL EVENT
Date TBD (typically during finals period)

A fun end-of-year event featuring all three bands, usually including pizza and ice cream.
 

QUESTIONS?
Please reach out to any board member or director with questions. Thank you for supporting Southern Jazz and helping provide these experiences for our students.

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