Tariffs for Band - Brace Yourselves!

Weathering the Storm: Music Education in Uncertain Times

In recent years, economic instability, inflation, and shifting political decisions have tested every corner of our educational system. Nowhere has this been more quietly felt—and more heartbreakingly overlooked—than in the world of music education. School arts programs, especially those in rural or under-resourced districts, are often the first to face cuts and the last to receive relief. Yet the need for music, for connection, and for the growth it cultivates in young people has never been greater.

At Director’s Assistant, we see this struggle every day. We work with programs that are doing everything right—planning ahead, staying within budget, keeping their students engaged—and still can’t afford what they need. When tariffs spike overnight or inflation inflates shipping costs by 40% or more, it’s not the corporations who suffer. It’s the kids. It’s the freshman who’s finally found a place to belong in band. It’s the senior whose uniform no longer fits but can’t be replaced. It’s the teacher who spends their evenings sewing hems and ironing flags just to keep the dream alive.

Let’s be clear: these tariffs—some of them exceeding 40%—were enacted under previous administrations and remain in place today. They affect the very fabric of what we sell and how we serve. These aren't abstract policies; they are real costs that land squarely on the backs of school programs and families.

But this isn’t about party lines. It’s about people.

And frankly, it’s exhausting.

We didn’t vote for this storm, but we’re in it—and we’re not going anywhere. We’ll weather it.

That’s not just a line. It’s the work we do every single day.

It’s why we fight for flexible pricing models. Why we stay late on calls with manufacturers. Why we chase shipping reps across time zones and why we roll up our sleeves when a school’s shipment misses a deadline. It’s also why we’ve embraced new uniform solutions like the EZ Hem Tuxedo and our fully customizable FlexWear tops. These aren’t just products—they’re answers. They reduce cost, simplify logistics, and allow programs to keep looking sharp without sacrificing funds that should go toward instruments, instructors, or experiences.

But we can’t do it alone.

Our call today is simple: support your local music educators. If you’re a legislator, recognize the power of music programs to build communities and invest in young people. If you’re a parent, advocate for arts funding at your school board meetings. If you’re a vendor, consider the impact of your prices and policies on real classrooms.

Director’s Assistant is proud of our reputation—and our reviews. On Google, we’ve been called “fast,” “reliable,” and “lifesaving.” Not because we’re perfect, but because we care. Every shipment, every design, every backorder conversation—we approach them all with a single mindset: do what’s right for the director. Do what’s right for the kids.

Chris and Casey, along with the entire team at Director’s Assistant, wake up every morning asking one question: what can we do better? It’s that question that built this company. It’s that question that keeps us moving forward.

So, yes—the times are uncertain. But we are not uncertain about who we serve or why we serve them.

Let’s keep the music playing.

– Chris Walls
Founder, Director’s Assistant, LLC