Unfair- Writing Paper?

Question:At my high school, it is demanded that members of the school band play as teh "Pep Band" during sporting events. Our teacher was upset that many incoming freshman cut band from their schedule because they dont have the time to perform at these assemblies.

So not to discourage students from joining band, our director tried a new policy- a voluntary Pep Band. Ever since the year started, less and less people have been showing up. Now, the Head of the Fine Arts department at our school is getting him into trouble for "Not performing his job for teh students of hte school".

What I don't understand is this: If students don't want to play at Pep Band, why should they? Half of the sports teams play CD's, anyways. They obviously show that they don't want us playing. Our band teacher told us "we play because we are here to support the athletes, even though the athletes don't want us playing".

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: At my high school, it is demanded that members of the school band play as teh "Pep Band" during sporting events. Our teacher was upset that many incoming freshman cut band from their schedule because they dont have the time to perform at these assemblies.

So not to discourage students from joining band, our director tried a new policy- a voluntary Pep Band. Ever since the year started, less and less people have been showing up. Now, the Head of the Fine Arts department at our school is getting him into trouble for "Not performing his job for teh students of hte school".

What I don't understand is this: If students don't want to play at Pep Band, why should they? Half of the sports teams play CD's, anyways. They obviously show that they don't want us playing. Our band teacher told us "we play because we are here to support the athletes, even though the athletes don't want us playing".

And this is why I don't teach public school anymore. I just can't take the drama and the politics between the admin, music, and athletic departments. Bad enough dealing with parents whose little darling didn't get the top spot, but this kind of hooey with other teachers who should know better?!? Makes me mad (on your teacher's behalf).

On the other hand, I don't think much of his bringing the students into the argument. Better to protect you all from this kind of garbage... adolescence has enough turmoil without us teachers adding to it (more than necessary). I don't see this as necessary... he could have made pep band voluntary without telling you why. OR, if he had wanted it to work, he could have made it an audition-only, you-have-to-be-invited, honor type thng. Then he'd have had kids crawling over each other to show up.

Just my 2 cents. I don't think there is a right side to this argument.

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ADDED after I read your addition:

I know you are upset, but please don't write a letter. It sends the wrong message for a student to petition on behalf of a teacher. Frankly, you could get him into trouble.

You keep your nose clean, try to appear un-bothered by any of this... and try to get your parents involved, or at least someone's parents. Admin listens to parents first, especially band boosters & PTA members. In some schools, the band boosters have more power than the PTA, and many of the boosters actually sit on the school board. If you want something done, don't do it yourself. Please. Trust me on this.