Reply to APS - Symphonic Band marching band requirement

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Reply to "APS - Symphonic Band marching band requirement"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]How about those who are in varsity football skip practice every so often so they can run track, too?  Oh, sorry, both have mandatory practices because missing a practice could affect the team and the training

Stop bashing music. The arts already suffer and way more emphasis and preference is put on sports. Schools around the country are providing less and less funding for music, art, drama and chorus.

I think what they are doing is brilliant. You want to play in the music program? There is a 3 month commitment to play in marching band in addition to regular class. My large Fairfax HS did it back in the day.  Playing in the top band in high school and playing in the marching band go hand in hand. Otherwise you don’t have a robust marching band without it.

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The arts suffer as they are inflexible.  Simple.  When it comes down to it, marching band has a low priority for us.  There is no teaching involved and some of the kids are well, obnoxious and think they are good when they aren't.[/quote]

This person obviously is pretending to care and actually has no understanding of music classes or marching band. Can't take their comments seriously.
Arts classes may be "inflexible" only because you can't offer them 7 periods a day so everybody can be sure to fit them into their schedule. As for after-school practices, same expectations as any other sports team. However, in APS, since marching band is FOR ACADEMIC CREDIT (caps for those who keep missing this point), performances and competitions are supposed to take priority over other NON-ACADEMIC extracurriculars. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean one's grade suffers because they miss a performance or a competition because they're sick or other "excused" reason.

In fact, concert and symphonic bands also have this requirement. Performances and state assessment are mandatory. Nobody's complaining about that because (1) they're unaware or (2) it's not really the performances people are whining about but the practices. Kids miss marching band practices from time to time, too - sick, appointment, travel, etc. It's worked out with the band director. But you don't just show up when you feel like it and don't when you don't want to. That's not acceptable. [/quote]
Just like missing basketball practice or soccer practice and games are not acceptable.[/quote]

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