Marching band vs. Football Argument with Teacher

[Lprdgecko]

So, my friend and I are both in Ecology, which is taught by the athletic director at our school. I have it 1st period, he has it 3rd. During band today, my friend tells me that he had this massive argument with the teacher over Marching Band vs. Football. I asked him what he all said and stuff, and he said the teacher claimed that the football team got the same funding as the band from the county (he says he knows this b/c he managed the football budget, but he didn't manage the band budget, so what does he know?), and that we aren't really ever recognized because our BD doesn't try. Yes, it's true that our BD will sometimes forget to send in an announcement saying how we did at a competition or something, but to blatantly say that he doesn't try is ridiculous. He was also complaining that the football players have to pay a whole $50 to participate, and my friend informed him that the band members have to pay over $800, since we are so much in debt for instruments, uniforms, etc. from our lack of funding.

That makes me really mad. There are three other band kids in my class. I might inform them of this situation and we might talk to him about it. It's really annoying that the teacher would say that his own co-worker doesn't try. Seriously? The Ecology teacher is the one who doesn't get into the classroom until after class starts, who sits there for 10-15 minutes after walking in late.... Ugh...

[hansel2011]

Its alright. I know how you feel. I will get into verbal fights with people because I get so mad when people just think that we dont do anything. I have spent the past 5 years trying to stick up for the band. It is hard but I have learned that if you keep on trying, things will work out the way you want them to!

I play on the varsity softball team at my school. I am also in concert band, pep band, marching band, honor band, and solo and ensemble. At first a lot of jokes were being made about the band and stupid things about American Pie. I sure do hate that movie. It shows all the things we are not about. Anyways...I got tired of it. I addressed everyone and told them that if they wanted to make fun of me then fine, but they will never mess with the band. The day I made that clear was the day that no more jokes were made. They are all my friends...it is not like standing up for the band made them hate me....and at football games they cheer for us and love what we do. I see me making varsity as a miracle for the band. The girls I played ball with were some of the most popular girls in the school. Once they got the message, the baseball team got the message, then the football team, then soon everyone in the school. No one makes a big joke about the band. We do more work than anyone. They respect the band and they respect band. You just have to keep fighting. Not everyone you talk to will get over it that easily because there are people that just dont understand why we do what we do. I think it is just becasue they are jealous of us and they want to make them selves feel good but whatever!! lol! Never give up hope!

[brassdancer]

It's a fact that band programs are pretty low on the funding ladder, but also remember that there IS funding there. Bands have to get transportation, repairs ... etc. And that costs a LOT of money. IUP's marching band is the largest budget at IUP, and we STILL did not have the money to afford t-shirts for the band members. All the money went towards travel and accomadations for trips.

The fact remains: sports teams will always have the upper hand. Marching bands are the "accessory" to football games/basketball games. It really REALLY sucks but this is the reality of the situation.

[spacermase]

Feb 3, 2009 12:12:30 GMT -5 brassdancer said:

The fact remains: sports teams will always have the upper hand. Marching bands are the "accessory" to football games/basketball games. It really REALLY sucks but this is the reality of the situation.

...Unless you're lucky enough to have a multi-million dollar endowment to cover your excess expenses, like we do.

Although, with the economy being what it is, even that hasn't been much help- we're still dealing with significant funding cuts.

[freshmanflute]

^ Lucky