theblowtorch

Who said there’s no band? Competitive marching band is only a spoke on the band wheel. The membership of the Kentucky Music Educators Association made the correct decision along with almost every circuit in the country.

Any KMEA member is eligible to be elected to serve on committees. The district 1 membership elected Mrs. Stribling to that post and they have every right to do so.

Board MB Chair- Tim Allen Band Chair- Joe Craig Judge Coordinator- George Boulden Executive Director- John Stroube 1- Beth Stribling 2-Cory Mullins 3-Grant Jones 4-Brian Ellis 5-Patrick Brady 6-Austin Bralley 7-Michael Stone 8-Jenny Hippple 9-Pauletta Smith 10-Curtis Ervin 11- Jason Bowles 12-Mike Arthur

There will not be KMEA all state ensembles this school year. I understand the decision was made this past week by the KMEA board. The KMEA conference held in February will move to a virtual format for 2021.

I know some groups that started marching band have packed it up for the year. Madison Central, for example, ended marching band on Friday.

Maybe those assistants found an opportunity to get away from the crazy person they work for...👀

The governor and public health will likely step in and say no. The KHSAA punted to the governor’s office.

I feel terrible for your kids. It’s clear they are not receiving an appropriate, well rounded music education, and are in band for all the wrong reasons. How many of your former students play their horns in adulthood? How many participate in a collegiate ensemble (major or non-major)? How many current students pursue outside opportunities such as all state band, summer music camps, youth orchestra, private lessons, etc? How many freshman graduate the program 4 years later? I would be willing to wager those numbers are sad and pathetic. In your world band ends in October. What do you do from November to June? Beat more marching band music into the kids? Probably. The various KMEA committees voted to protect the health and safety of our students and communities. They 100% made the correct decision. All state auditions will be held in a virtual manner in 2020-21. This is also the correct decision for our students.

KHSAA can not survive without their championship events as this is their only source of income. They have a high overhead for staffing, event management, etc. KHSAA will kick the can down the road as long as possible. The vote yesterday doesn’t mean much as they have to submit a plan to the governor’s office and department of public health for approval. KMEA can survive a year without the SMBC. KMEA has a much smaller staff and receives income from other sources- membership dues, program dues, registrations, etc. KMEA also has a substantial emergency fund.

Then you are in the wrong business. The purpose of music education has nothing to do with competition. Don’t complain next spring when your program gets cut because you refuse to serve your community and school. I’m also certain that any band director worth a penny would not be posting on a band forum arguing with mostly students and parents.

You should probably be doing pep band regardless as service to your school and community and be happy about it because it gives kids a chance to perform. Serving your school and community should always be a high priority. If not you may be in the wrong line of work.

Competing bands are permitted to play defense by interfering with electronics, field conditions, crowd noise, etc.

Congrats.

Nice to see there is one other person on here that brings the facts.

Yes. You automatically advance if you spend $120,000 or more, have oversized light up props, and a amplified flute solo.