I love how your post has ignited such a lively discussion between the dinosaurs (me) and the young tigers of the Texas band world. I started in '71 ($6,250) and spent my first paycheck buying a receiver, speakers, and a tape deck for the band hall because there was none. Much of the second paycheck went for sheet music (Southern Music Company!) because the hand-me-down high school music was mostly over the ability of the students to play (and/or my ability to teach!). Had to buy every computer, monitor, printer, and software that ever sat on my office desk - and the desk, too! Quit going to TMEA and TBA when the district eliminated those funds. Finished my career 32 years later (same district) using fund-raising money to pay UIL entry fees and bus costs for the Sub-non-varsity band. And loved every (well, almost) minute of my career! Today I drive by a new, state-of-the art school with an awesome band facility (and equipment) and am thankful the young tigers working so hard and successfully there don't have those problems, just others.