<p>binx: just to follow your tanget. We also discovered early on that marching band is NOT about the music. At our school, any recognition also works on seniority…meaning the choice music will only go to the seniors, no matter what. This is true for the rest of the orchestra and choral programs. D is constantly being encouraged to get out…spend more time practicing. But here in lies that 3rd piece of the balancing act…besides academics and music, they still have to grow up and mature, and learn how to make/choose great friends and just be silly once in a while. And we are grateful for our band program for that. So we’re still in.</p>