Bands still on the march

Cheney, Mead, Mt. Spokane, East Valley, West Valley, Central Valley, University and Deer Park High schools all have competitive marching bands at one level or another.

The only district missing in this equation is Spokane Schools. It was the decision of all five high schools at different times over the past 17 years to stop marching.

We participate in this activity for one reason and one reason only - the kids!

What this activity brings to a young person’s life is beyond what any words can possibly describe. The life skills this teaches follow them the rest of their lives. Hard work, team work, individual responsibility, camaraderie, respect, commitment, accomplishment, fun and sense of family, to list a few things, not to mention the development of brain pathways so all learning can be accomplished.

Yes, all of this costs money. They get some help, district funds to pay their teaching staffs. The remainder comes from the hard work of student and parent fundraising. They do this because they can’t imagine not having marching band in their child’s life. They do this because they want to. No one is forcing them to help this activity.

Kay Feely

Spokane