Reply to Annandale Band Director Claims Racism

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous] 
A lot of FCPS schools REQUIRE kids in symphonic band to be in the marching band. They can’t get a lot of kids to join, so to go to the higher level classes they have to join. Consequently, their musical performances often outshine schools from other districts who take students at all ability levels. I don’t know the policy at Annandale. But if you’ve got a lot of kids who don’t want to be there in the first place, who are then treated strictly, they will turn on you in an instant.[/quote]

Every FCPS school, except TJ, requires the higher bands (at least) to be in Marching Band. The Virginia culture of marching bands is all about the bands and not about the kids and what’s best for them. [/quote]

I grew up in Texas, which has a very strong band culture. And yes, marching band is required for the upper level bands. Of course it is.  That's best for the band and best for kids.  A strong band is fun for kids, and needs everyone, all the members.  Not just some of the members. [/quote]

I grew up in the northeast with no marching band culture but a fabulous classical and jazz band culture. Kids could choose what works best for them because the antics of marching band are not for everyone. They continually put kids last here and the band (and all the wins it gets to proclaim) first. Except at TJ, of course, where they realize that some kids have multiple interests or want to take challenging courses that keep them from either band class or marching band. The Texas post sounds like it was written by a band teacher.

Antics?  Like American Pie, "One time at band camp.......", that was exaggerated.  If you mean hazing, all organized activities are unfortunately susceptible.  I do remember in my HS in MD, there was only one band.  In the fall we did Marching, in Winter, symphonic/concert and in Spring, Jazz.  I hated Jazz Band, but it was all or nothing.  [/quote]

When you said you grew up in the Northeast I thought you meant New Jersey, NY or New England. Not Maryland. In Va and Md there is a strong marching band culture that goes back generations. There might be a school here and there where it’s not a big deal. But for many schools in this area, the marching bands and color guards are usually much stronger (and larger) than the football teams as football has waned in popularity. In fact some of these local bands, color guards and drum lines compete in competitions all school year. They also march in the halls to drum up spirit throughout the year.

And yes, the local band teachers do yell and are strict. Especially on the football field during marching practice, via a megaphone. But they are also passionate, compassionate, etc. Competition is cutthroat here. Like coaches, the band directors make it known when they are displeased. There’s no room for any antics. [/quote]

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