| Managing the high cost of high school
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| They rented their son's bass,
"since a halfway decent one would be about $6,000," Haskin said. Other
music expenses piled high: replacement parts for instruments (for a bass that
can be a whopping $100 per string), money to enter and attend competitions, uniforms
for bands (orchestras usually require tuxedos and black dresses) and private lessons.
The experts say
Combine
some of the money-saving tactics described earlier. Mine for gold in kids who
are leaving orchestra or band -- do they really still need that tuxedo or uniform?
For girls, unless there is a certain style of dress they need, check consignment
shops. Many kids rent instruments, but good, used ones can
also be found at online auctions such as eBay or in pawn shops. Make sure you
check out sellers on auction sites before bidding on an instrument. And, unless
you're music-savvy, take an experienced musician along to pawn shops to make sure
you're buying something suitable and in good repair. Look online
for stores that sell strings, replacement parts and accessories. Need an instrument,
but can't afford one at all? Check with the school guidance counselor. Sometimes
organizations will help keep kids in the arts. Miscellaneous
school projects
You probably never thought you'd shell out $80 to $100
to buy materials for a school assignment, but lots of honors classes require students
to complete complicated projects. It's hard to get around the cost, but you can
do it if you put your head together with your teen. Scour the Internet for craft
recipes and make your own modeling clay. A bucket of clay that costs $20 at the
craft store can be made in your kitchen for pennies. | 
