Music department outlines $9,000-per-student Europe tour, seeks approval for fundraisers

Music teachers at Fremont Community Schools presented details of an international performance tour and requested the board’s permission to pursue district-linked fundraising activities to support student participation.

The presenter described the trip as an "Indiana Musicians Abroad" tour that includes performances and educational stops in Prague, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and France, with an option for a London extension. "The tour is about $9,000 per person," the presenter said, and noted the program typically includes band, choir and orchestra students drawn from across the state. Ten Fremont students were confirmed at the time of the presentation, with several others undecided.

Fundraising plans include restaurant nights (Culver’s, Texas Roadhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings), a car wash, food-stand shifts at the county fair and sales at school events. The presenter said a deposit of $500 per student is due at the end of the month and the first payment of $1,700 is due Aug. 1; final payment is expected by the end of February. Students and parent volunteers described near-term activities including an upcoming car wash and work at the county fair.

Board members asked how fundraising revenue would be allocated and whether the activities would be presented corporationwide in July; the presenter said a comprehensive fundraiser list will be provided in July so the board can approve the activities. The board did not record a separate final vote on the trip itself at this meeting but agreed to consider the fundraiser schedule when it is submitted.

The district encouraged organizers to ensure clear accounting for funds that go to individual students versus music-department expenses. The presenter emphasized most of the $9,000 cost would be covered by family payments and fundraising, not district general fund dollars.