STME58
1445 posts
Aug 19, 2015
9:22 AM
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My son had been looking forward to starting band in high school realizing that band can be a major part of the high school experience (it was for me) and where you can start life long friendships. He missed the summer preparatory band camp because he was in Japan at the World Jamboree. I had communicated with the band director and was assured that they would get my son caught up quickly so he could participate.
He had his first field rehearsal last night and came out so dejected by the harsh treatment he wanted to drop marching band. I had no idea they would make them run laps and shame the slow ones! I was not there but from what my wife described, the spirit of Fletcher was alive and well and operating.
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JustFuya
802 posts
Aug 24, 2015
12:16 PM
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Is there an update on this? The first day of anything can be tough. Hope it all mellows out.
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Mirco
299 posts
Aug 24, 2015
5:17 PM
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Sounds awful, especially for kids of that age. Discipline IS important, but way to kill off the enjoyment of creating music.
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Marc Graci
YouTube Channel
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STME58
1450 posts
Aug 24, 2015
5:44 PM
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My wife and I both sent emails to the band director letting her know my son was on the verge of giving up and dropping out. The next day we had a chat with the band director. She took the information we gave her about my son and had a chat with him that encouraged him to stick it out, letting him know that everyone realizes he missed band camp and they don't expect him to know things learned then yet. I think they have a reasonable balance but with 60 kids on the field not much gets done without some pretty strict disciple. I attended part of an 8 hour rehearsal Saturday and I did not see the abuse my wife told me about. I can see how she might interpret it the way she did though. One of the things the band director told us is that shaming is not tolerated. During the runs, leaders are not allowed to call out individuals, only admonitions to the whole group are allowed.
My son is still in the band is doing better. It would have helped a lot had we gotten more info on what to expect before he showed up for practice. The first performance is at this Friday's football game. I hope that brings my sons enthusiasm level up. I am proud of him for sticking with it. I think the organization is OK. It can be a bit difficult to discern between good discipline and abuse. I will be keeping an eye on it. Another 3 hour rehearsal tommorow night.
Last Edited by STME58 on Aug 24, 2015 5:48 PM
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