Introducing Spond, our tool for band communications! Here’s how to get started.
Spond is a communication platform which helps groups organize activities. Through Spond, we can share information, create events, collect sign-ups, create polls, send private messages, and create group conversations. Spond helps us communicate as a band, stay organized, and grow what we can do together.
For questions and troubleshooting, please contact the IT Committee at support@gfbla.org.
Why Spond?
Here are the key features of Spond:
- Events Calendar: View upcoming events.
- Sign Ups: RSVP to events and sign up for volunteer tasks.
- Updates: You’ll receive updates for your ensembles. Leave comments and reactions!
- Polls: Share your opinion or availability.
- Messaging: Communicate with your section and other band members.
- Web & Mobile App Access: For use on any device.
We considered many options for our member app and chose Spond because it is easy to use, offers the choice of email or app notifications, can be accessed on a website and mobile app, and has an outstanding data privacy policy.
Account Registration
You must register with Spond to receive important band updates.
Here’s how to set up your account:
- Once you’ve completed your member dues, a Spond invitation email will be sent to the email address you provided in your member registration. Please allow 2-3 days to receive this invitation.
- Open the email and click “Respond to group invite.” You will be directed to a registration page and asked to provide your first and last name and date of birth.
- Press the “Hide your contact information” button if you wish to hide your email address from being seen by other members.
- To avoid promotional and marketing emails from Spond, uncheck the box that says “I want to receive tips, recommendations, offers and updates on Spond products via email.”
- Press “Join.”
- Congratulations! Your Spond account is now activated.
You will now receive email notifications for messages and upcoming events. You can also login to spond.com to view the calendar and other information.
A Note on Updates
If you are logged into the Spond App, you will receive updates through push notifications on your device. Otherwise, you’ll get email updates.
Mobile App Setup
While all features are available at spond.com, we recommend using the Spond mobile app for the best experience.
- The Spond App can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play Store. Once downloaded, open the app.
- Create your account by entering your email address and creating a password. Enter the same email address from which you received the Spond invitation email.
- Including a phone number for your Spond account is optional. If you would prefer to not include a phone number, tap “Press here” at the bottom-right. To avoid promotional and marketing emails from Spond, uncheck the pre-checked box. Press “Next.”
- A verification code will be sent to your email address. Enter that code into the app, here.
- Finish setting up your account by providing your first and last name, adding a profile picture (optional), selecting your time zone (e.g., America/Los Angeles), and setting your birth month and year.
While logged into the app, you’ll receive push notifications instead of emails.
The app may look different depending on your device.
Homepage & Events
On the Home page, information from all of your ensembles will be displayed together in one feed. When clicking onto the Home page, you are immediately taken to the Events tab.
Events Tab
Press on an event to see more information. Here, you can view event details, RSVP, accept any associated tasks, and leave comments. Please respond promptly to event invitations so we know who’s coming.
Some events may have associated volunteer tasks. If you accept an invitation to an event with tasks, you can choose to take up the task. Note: If you can no longer attend an event, please also decline any accepted tasks that you will no longer be able to fulfill.
To view past events, hide declined events, or hide recurring events in your feed, press “Upcoming” in the top-right corner and change the filters accordingly.
You may sync events from Spond into your phone’s calendar if you enable it from your settings. Press your profile picture on the top-left corner to access your account settings, then press “Calendar Settings”. Here, you may adjust the calendar synchronization settings to your liking.
Posts Tab
In the Posts tab, you may view and interact with posts from GFBLA board and staff members. Posts are how information and files are shared in Spond. You can react to posts and leave comments.
Polls Tab
In the Polls tab, you can view all current and past polls.
App Overview
Menu Toolbar
At the bottom of the screen, you’ll find the menu toolbar with four tabs: Home, Notifications, Groups, and Messages.
Notifications Page
Depending on your settings, you may receive notifications when you are invited to events, when new posts or polls are created, or when comments are posted.
To adjust these settings, press on your profile picture in the top-left corner and go to “Push Notifications”. We recommend changing the comments notifications to “Mentions Only” or “No notifications.” Feel free to adjust the settings to your preference.
Messages Page
You can create and send private messages or group messages to other members.
First select the group in which there are members you wish to message. Select “Main group” to show all members of the ensemble, or “Subgroups” to show members by section. Photos and other files may also be sent via the Messages tool.
Website Access (via Spond.com)
You may also choose to access your Spond account on the web at www.spond.com.
Aside from minor differences in the layout and locations of some features, the web version has the same functions as the mobile app.
Community Guidelines
When communicating with others in Spond–via messages, posts, or comments–all members are expected to adhere to GFBLA’s Code of Conduct.
It is our collective responsibility to treat each other with courtesy, dignity, and respect. Please respect others’ personal perspectives, values, beliefs, and preferences. Be responsible and accountable for your words, actions, and behaviors.
Spond FAQ
What is Spond?
Spond is an app for organizing club activities, providing information to members, and streamlining communications.
How did we choose Spond?
We reviewed more than fifteen club and membership apps. We chose Spond for its ease of use, registration tools, and interactive communication features. With a rating of 4.6+ on the App Store, Spond was the best option for our members.
Why do we need a member app?
We’re taking steps to improve our band communication and grow what we can do as a community. We hope that the tools that Spond provides will lead to:
- Improved member engagement. In the 2023 Member Survey, multiple members commented on the need to put messages in one place and to make communication more streamlined.
- Improved logistics. As a band, we need to understand: Who’s coming to perform? Who’s in the band? Who’s available for the next event?
- More performance opportunities. We often get requests to perform at community events. Spond will help us poll members and quickly determine our availability as a band so we can jump on these opportunities.
- More social events. Spond simplifies event planning and makes it easier to facilitate events outside of rehearsals.
Is my privacy safe with Spond?
Spond complies with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, the current “gold standard” for personal data protection. Spond does not sell personal data according to their exemplary privacy policy.
Who can use Spond?
All members are invited to join the current groups in Spond after paying their dues or receiving a scholarship. Members are expected to pay dues to help cover the costs of their participation in the ensemble.
Do I have to use the app?
While the mobile app offers the best experience, the same features are available at spond.com. You can receive updates through email or the mobile app.
Need Help?
For any questions or issues, please contact the IT committee at support@gfbla.org.