Some schools have considered an option called pay to play to help with tight budget. One area school is doing this.

For the 2010-2011 school year, the band director at R.E. Lee is going to request $50 to participate in band. It will not be required.

Band organizers say their annual fruit fundraiser was successful this year but, with cuts to the school's budget, funds have gotten very low.

Lee's Band Booster President Ann Smith says new instruments are needed and transportation to competitions is expensive.

With two children in Lee's band, she would hate to see them not be able to travel.

"We try to provide as much support as we can for the kids and we try to provide snacks and that all comes out of the parents pockets. The school does provide buses and there is a certain amount of money Mr. Lane is allowed each year but that has been cut and just to get the music together for the competition is over $1,000," says Smith.

An 'Easter Food' fundraiser is going on until March 22 to help raise money for the band.