Berkeley High School has an abundance of musical opportunities, including band and orchestra, a well-regarded jazz program, and music theory classes. As a result, Berkeley Unified School District and BHS teachers have a big commitment to making these opportunities accessible to all students. However, rising instrument prices have made this difficult, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic disrupted manufacturing and shipping, making instruments and their parts harder to produce and deliver. As a result, BHS, as well as many other high schools, have faced higher costs when purchasing and replacing instruments.
As instrument costs continue to rise, community support has become increasingly important. Jonah Andreatta is a BHS teacher who teaches band through the Band and Orchestra (BAO) program as well as Advanced Placement Music Theory. “Part of the reason that we have programs here in Berkeley that … have kind of been able to stay functioning … is because of the community investment,” Andreatta said. Through support from their booster club and student-led fundraiser, the school continues to find ways to support its music program despite challenging costs.
David Robinson, a BHS freshman in Orchestra 1, has a front row seat to the effects of rising costs on BHS, and how the school manages them. “Sometimes cost can get in the way, but I feel like with all the music teachers, they always find a way,” Robinson said. Through fundraising campaigns and community donations, BHS works to reduce the financial barriers students face when joining music programs. The school provides students with instruments for both home and school use, making it easier for them to continue practicing outside of class.
Alex Kainz, a BHS junior in Orchestra 3, has witnessed how the program helps students pursue their interest in music.
“From what I’ve seen from the program, they provide your instrument, your home instrument, and your school instrument. I think they do a pretty good job of making sure that kids who want to pursue music can do music,” Kainz said.
“The district allows students to rent an instrument from them at no cost and so at least that access is available,” Andreatta said. This support can make a difference in whether students are able to pursue music in the first place. For example, Kainz said she might not have continued with music if she had needed to pay for her own instrument. However, having free access to an instrument does not mean that every student has access to the same quality of equipment. As students advance, the cost of instruments can become an even bigger challenge. High school students often need specialized instruments, which can cost more than instruments used in beginner classes. These include instruments such as tubas, trumpets, basses, and trombones.
BHS has some school-owned instruments that are higher quality or designed for specific needs, but not every student will have access to that equipment due to limited quantity. Some school instruments may not be suitable for students hoping to audition for advanced groups, such as all-state honor ensembles. Providing instruments does help students participate, but differences in equipment can still affect their opportunities.
Even when students have access to instruments through school, the cost of additional instruction can still affect their opportunities to advance. Advancing in music can bring additional challenges. Private lessons can help students develop their skills, but access to that instruction depends on what families can afford.
That is why BHS works to make music experiences outside the classroom more affordable through fundraising and community donations. Financial assistance is also available for students who need help paying for activities such as music tours. “For the upcoming tour, we’re offering scholarships and any amount that’s needed,” Andreatta said. The program tries to make these opportunities available regardless of a student’s financial situation. Along with free instrument rentals and school-based instruction, this support gives students more opportunities to continue learning and performing without having to cover every expense themselves.
As instrument prices increase, the BHS music program relies on district support, fundraising, and community involvement to keep music affordable. Free instrument rentals and financial help on field trips and tours reduce costs, but differences in equipment and access to outside instruction can still affect students. With an upcoming music tour to Los Angeles offering scholarships to students who need them, BHS continues to look for ways to make opportunities available to all students.