Tag Days, Oct. 11-13, supports Berkley bands and orchestras

If you see and hear students musicians at your favorite businesses next weekend, Oct 11-13, that’s because it’s the Berkley School District’s annual Tag Days. Students will be requesting donations from the community to support music education.

This is the most important fundraiser for instrumental  musicians and accounts for 70 percent of the budget.

This year, proceeds will benefit the Berkley Instrumental Boosters (BIB) and the newly formed Berkley Orchestra Association (BOA). The BIB supports the band programs at Berkley High, Norup International, and Anderson Middle Schools. The BOA supports the orchestra programs at all three schools.

Since 2000, the band and orchestra operated under the same non-profit group. With the growth of both instrumental programs, and the need to address different goals, the decision was made in June to formulate two groups that will focus on the specific needs of each program.

While the Berkley School District is extremely supportive of its music programs, and has been twice named “Best Community for Music Education” by NAMM, it cannot support the financial needs of the music program without the support of the non-profit booster groups.

Proceeds from the fundraiser go directly back to the students and help pay for instruments, uniforms, workshops, clinicians, and scholarships for students to attend camp or take private lessons. Scholarships are also given to graduating seniors.

More than 34 businesses in Berkley, Royal Oak, Southfield, Beverly Hills and Oak Park have generously agreed to support our students.

In addition, on Thursday, Oct. 10, Uncle Andy's Pizza on the corner of 12 and Woodward will donate 20 percent of any purchase to the music programs if patrons mention that they support Tag Days. A complete list of businesses can be found on the BIB website at www.berkleyinstrumentalboosters.weebly.com.