As a parent that has been involved in both travel hockey for 10 years, HS band for 9yrs, and Drum Corp for 7 yrs. We know the cost of doing business in each one. Hockey in California is not cheap, since there is limited Ice time and at the time it was $325.00 an hr, and they practiced at least 2 or 3 day a week. Just traveling from rink to rink wasn't cheap, since the rinks are at least 1hr apart, some are 21/2 hrs and all for just 1 game.
HS Marching Band we have been involved in the band for 9 yrs with both of kids(daughter did HS color guard as an 8th grader)and it used to be about $800 and it was required. These past years Fair Share Contribution was asking for $1100. The band can not require you to pay thanks to the ACLU. Expenses are buses, hotels, uniforms, instruments, staff(non district)trucks to haul, music rights, food, and I probably forgot something. Plain and simple it costs to play!
We have been involved in Drum Corp for 7 yrs, My son started in BDB 2yrs, aged out from Madison 5 yrs, my daughter did 3yrs BDC, 1 yr BDB and is going back this year. Having my son in BD was nice all we had to pay was $1500 and gas money to get back and fourth. Then he made Scouts and the tryouts and camp in Indy. Plane tickets during the 5 yrs ranged from $300 to $500 each month + fees of around $1500. The costs are a little different in drum corp. They still have the buses, but no hotels, they get gym floors, and food trucks instead of catering and staff is probably a little more expensive also.
This year it will be nice following just BDB and paying for gas to get there, my son was hired on by the Blue Knights as Visual Staff, so we will root for them also. We will always be rooting for Madison and the Brotherhood.