The Marching Blue Devils

Photo taken by Tatum Register

BY TY’HANA ALDRIDGE| SEPT. 12, 2020 | OPINION

 In high schools and universities around the world are varieties of activities fit for every student, whether it’s joining your school's drama club or lacrosse team, students want to be recognized for their hard work and dedication. Of course, everyone deserves to be supported doing something they love, however that is not always reality. At Stanton College Preparatory School, sports and activities such as the marching band do not receive the recognition and support they deserve. Everyone works hard at doing what they love, so why do some activities receive more praise for working just as hard as others?

Since I've joined the marching band as a member of the colorguard my freshman year at Stanton I have heard many stereotypes, ranging from “band kids are weird” to people assuming the personalities of a band member based on the instrument they play. Though I don’t play an instrument and have not been personally affected by these stereotypes, fellow band members feel discouraged when hearing things like this, as any person participating in something they love would. Students at Stanton do not recognize that the marching band endures far more than playing music at pep rallies and marching on the football field during halftime shows.

Many students and some staff are not aware of what Stanton’s marching band participates in besides performing at football games. Marching bands across Florida attend the Music Performance Assessment (MPA) where they perform a theme of their choice and enjoy the performances of other school bands. Last year Stanton received their first long awaited superior award for the marching band and nobody really showed support for the band. Members spend months preparing to perform at MPA, starting as early as July and practicing every week for 3+ hours, despite the cancellation of the annual MPA. 

Stanton's marching band has been decreasing with only four girls on this year's color guard team. According to a study by Forte in 2010, the national average of high school students in the band is nearly 8%. The Stanton school website marching band information page contains outdated information from 2017. This contributes to the low recognition the band receives leading to fewer people joining the band. It is surely difficult for students to be aware of what the band does if the school itself does not acknowledge the marching band's presence and achievements.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Florida high school marching bands are facing difficult changes. Usually the band travels with the football to away games, however this year the band is no longer allowed to go to away games, due to social distancing, leaving the band attending 5 out of all 13 games. The band is also prohibited from being in the stands this year, forcing members to sit on the track where we are barely seen, but still somewhat heard. Despite this, the band practices hard twice a week to bring a little more hype to football games and improve themselves, even with the little recognition they are given. 

Stanton’s marching band, along with many others around the world, go through challenging practices and trials that many other athletes go through. Personally, I can't envision a good pep rally without the band, or even a lively football game. We are also a part of the school spirit and deserve to be supported just as much as the other popular activities at Stanton.