A community of band families

About the Blue Ridge Band Boosters

We exist to support, encourage, and advocate for every student in the Blue Ridge High School Band program.

Who we are

Mission & Vision

Our Mission

"To support and enrich the Blue Ridge High School Band program by providing financial, organizational, and volunteer resources that empower every student to grow as a musician and as a person."

Our Vision

A thriving, inclusive band program at Blue Ridge High School where every student has access to a world-class music education, the opportunity to compete at the highest levels, and a supportive community of families cheering them on.

"Beyond performance, the BRHSBB helps cultivate essential skills that extend into college and career readiness. Students develop discipline, teamwork, leadership, and perseverance, skills that are foundational to success in any pathway."

โ€” Ashley C. Wardlaw, Blue Ridge High School Principal

We are a 100% volunteer organization.

Board of Directors

The boosters board is elected annually by band booster members. Board meetings are open to anyone with a vested interest in the success of the band program. See the calendar for dates.

Brandi Gravley

President

Tiffany Ward

Vice President

Anna Cook

Treasurer

Kenzie Kelly

Secretary

Hope-Ann Frayne

Ways and Means

Want to serve on the board? Board positions are elected each spring. Any band booster member is eligible to run. Talk to the current president or come to a meeting to learn more.

Financial Transparency

We take our responsibility to our families seriously. The boosters board reviews and approves all expenditures, and we present a full financial report at each monthly meeting. Annual reports are posted here for anyone to review.

Annual Financial Reports

  • ๐Ÿ“„
    FY 2025โ€“2026 Annual Report ยท Coming Soon
  • Questions about finances? Email our treasurer at [email protected] or bring them to any monthly meeting.

Where the Money Goes

Here's a general breakdown of how we allocate funds in a typical year:

Music, Clinicians & Education ~50%
Equipment & Uniforms ~25%
Competitions & Travel ~15%
Student Financial Assistance ~10%

Approximate figures. Actual allocations vary by year based on needs and fundraising results. See annual reports for exact figures.

501(c)(3) Status

The Blue Ridge Band Boosters is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This means:

Need documentation for your employer's matching gift program? Email us at [email protected] and we'll get you what you need.

Bylaws & Governing Documents

Our bylaws govern how the organization is structured and operated. They were adopted by the membership and can only be amended by a vote of the membership.

  • ๐Ÿ“œ
    Bylaws of the Blue Ridge Band Boosters Download PDF ยท Last amended May 2022
  • ๐Ÿ“‹
    Articles of Incorporation Download PDF
  • ๐Ÿ“‹
    Conflict of Interest Policy Download PDF
  • ๐Ÿ“‹
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure Download PDF

Policies

These policies guide how we operate and keep our volunteers, students, and families safe and informed. All policies comply with Greenville County School District guidance and are subject to state and federal laws.

All students enrolled in a Blue Ridge High School band program are welcome to participate in boosters-supported activities. Students who need financial assistance to participate in competitions, band camp, or travel should contact the boosters treasurer confidentially.

Eligibility
  • Students must remain in good standing with the school and the band program per the director's guidelines.
  • Students participating in band must have dues paid or an approved payment plan in good standing.

All fundraising activities on behalf of the Blue Ridge Band Boosters must be approved by the boosters board before being organized or promoted. This protects families from unauthorized fundraising and ensures we're compliant with school district guidelines.

Key Points
  • All fundraisers must be approved at a board meeting or by the president and treasurer jointly for time-sensitive opportunities.
  • Fundraisers involving students must also be approved by the band director.
  • All funds collected must be deposited within 72 hours of collection.
  • Two board members must be present at any cash-counting activity.

All adult volunteers who have direct supervision of students must complete a Greenville County Schools background check before volunteering.

How to Complete a Background Check

Volunteers who only help with adult-supervised tasks (like loading equipment under director supervision at a competition) may not need full clearance. Ask the president if you're unsure.

We take financial stewardship seriously. Our internal controls are designed to prevent errors and ensure that every dollar is accounted for.

Key Controls
  • The president and treasurer must both approve any expenditure over $500.
  • All expenses require a receipt or invoice and board approval.
  • Bank statements are reviewed monthly by the treasurer and presented to the board.
  • An annual internal review of finances is conducted before the annual report is published.
  • Signatories on bank accounts must be current board officers.

The boosters and band director maintain official Facebook and Instagram accounts. These are the only accounts that officially represent the Blue Ridge Band Boosters.

Photo & Video of Students
  • We will post photos of students in group/performance settings without individual identification.
  • We will not post close-up photos of individual students without parental consent.
  • Parents who wish to opt their student out of being photographed should notify the president or band director.

When the band travels for competitions or other events, the boosters assist with logistics, chaperoning, and funding. All travel activities are ultimately under the supervision of the band director and comply with Greenville County Schools policies.

For Parents & Chaperones
  • All chaperones must have a current GCS background check on file.
  • Permission slips and payments must be received by published deadlines. We cannot make exceptions.

Monthly Meetings

Boosters meetings are held monthly during the school year, usually on the second Tuesday at 6:30 PM at Blue Ridge High School. Anyone with a vested interest in the success of the band program is welcome to attend.

Meeting dates are posted on the Calendar page. If you have an agenda item you'd like to discuss, email the president at least a week in advance so we can add it.

What We Cover at Meetings

  • Treasurer's report & budget review
  • Upcoming event planning
  • Fundraiser updates
  • Volunteer coordination
  • Communications from the director
  • Student recognition
  • Policy or bylaw discussions
  • Open Q&A for families