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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]FCPS highest level of band requires participation in marching band. It's been this way since I was in high school back in the 90s. You can like it or not like it, but it's not new.

FCPS also offers bands that do no require marching band -- generally concert band.

You can talk to the band instructor to see if there's a way to balance music and sport. I've heard some students were able to to do marching band and cheerleading.  [/quote]

That's really unfortunate, and it's actually quite discriminatory. If a kid is a gifted musician who is of the top-band caliber, but they are unable to participate in marching band for a variety of reasons, they are relegated to a lower band?  That sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen.

For example:

Many children with physical disabilities such as CP, spina bifida, OI, or SMA would struggle to participate in marching band. Refusing them access to the highest band simply because they cannot participate in marching band is discrimination.

Many blind or low-sighted children may find marching band a rather difficult activity. Refusing them access to the highest band simply because they cannot participate in marching band is discrimination.

Children with albinism generally cannot participate in most outdoor activities, which marching band is, if there is much sun. Therefore, marching band is probably not an activity for them. Refusing them access to the highest band simply because they cannot participate in marching band is discrimination. [/quote]

There tend to be exceptions made in those cases, if needed. I know of a kid who didn’t do marching band for religious reasons. Teacher made up another project/assignment for him. He was still allowed in advanced band.

But there are also ways to work it out sometimes. My kid’s band had a color guard member who was legally blind, or nearly so. She still performed with the band. At a band competition, I saw a kid with leg braces stand and play on the side of the field while the others marched. Her dad helped her get to and from her spot. I’ve also seen (at competitions) other similar things.

As for it being unfair, one could make the same argument for other things that conflict… kid is talented at two fall sports, or a spring sport and musical theater, etc. [/quote]

It's almost like they might make a movie out of such a situation. A Highschool Musical even...

The reality is that there are only two classes I have heard of that require an outside school hours activity as part of an honors class. Biology, which might have to participate in the Science Fair, and Advanced band with marching band. Participation outside of school hours for a grade should not be allowed. Kids shouldn't have to ask for extra assignments or alternative assignments or give up some other activty after school so they can take a class in school. I don't care if that is the way it has always been.

It sounds to me that they made this a requirement in order to be able to continue having a marching band or having competitive marching bands because the number of kids participating was smaller then they wanted. They turned an extra curricular activity into a grade. Athletes don't get to use their sport as fufilling a PE requirement, which would actually make sense, why do musicians get a grade bump because they participate in marching band?

I know that our Scout Troop sees a large drop off in attendence because of marching band in the fall. Kids have to prioritize band over everything else. [b]It has 100% prevented some kids from completing their Eagle rank. They lose out on the ability to hold a leadership position during that time period, because they can't make meetings. [/b]They lose out on camping opportunities, they lose out on getting to know other Scouts. Other kids have to drop a sport that they enjoy or excel in or drop music. I don't think that is the intent but it is the consequence.

It's time to stop the madness and get rid of marching band programs. It's preventing kids from scouts and sports and it's a lot of work. They can just play recorded music at football games. Who wants to petition the school board to ban marching band? I'll sign on.

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