By Patty

January 10, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

Mary: I am sorry for you and your son for what has missed because of your discouragement. It is known that the majority of music students are the top in their classes. Look at the last several years’ valedictorians and salutorians and you will see that the majority of them were members of the Marching Band and/or Colorguard. Yes the schedules are demanding but these kids don’t have time to be getting into trouble or to put off doing their homework. There are always a very few who don’t work to make the grades necessary (as in any sport) and because of school requirements they are then unable to participate. The rewards are great: a team that is also a family, travel, learning to deal with triumphs as well as failures, pride in doing your best, etc. Many area businesses look forward to hiring band students because they know their dedication to the program carries over into their futures through dedication and reliability to their employers. The band parents I know do not pressure their kids to do this. Each year I ask my daughter if she really wants to do it and even in the season when she starts getting tired, as everyone in every dedicated program does, I offer to let her stop. She insists on carrying through because she is proud of what she is doing and what she gets out of it. I lost my husband 6 ½ years ago and I know that if it weren’t for band/colorguard, she would not be where she is today, getting ready to go to college in the medical field with grades that have dramatically improved to scholarship potential. Everyone I know has given their child the option and in the end it is the child’s choice to participate and the parents then support the child in every way they can with fees, fundraising, attendance at events. Everyone simply asks their child to do their best but to have fun doing it. Yes in other sports there is very tough emphasis on the competition. If your son is still an underclassman I would encourage you and him to check out the program, you might be surprised. Go to a Booster Meeting, talk to parents, talk to the kids in the program.

By Mary

January 8, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this

I discouraged my son from participating in band because of all the commitment and long hours with practices and competitions. Personally, I think it is all out of hand in sports and band competitons. Read today’s cover story in the Dayton Daily News about kids and families being time stressed and doing too much. Parents and students have become obsessed about this stuff in part due to the education system. More emphasis should be placed on music and physical education for all students and opportunities for music and physical education, along with other academics, during the school day.

By Bolt92

January 3, 2006 6:29 PM | Link to this

It’s about time Northmont got the recognition they deserve. Northmont is one of the best school districts in the State and am proud to see them recognized nationally.

By Carol: a former Carroll band mom

January 3, 2006 3:43 PM | Link to this

Congratulations to the Northmont Marching Band and their director(s). I was a “band mom” for eleven years in the 70s and 80s, and I was always frustrated that the band members did not get the recognition they deserved. So, I also add my congratulations to the DDN for acknowledging the hard work and dedication of these wonderful young people. I hope you will continue to showcase the accomplishments of area high school marching bands.

By Dave

January 3, 2006 12:39 PM | Link to this

“Is Northmont’s title as big as a football or basketball championship?” Objectively, no. It’s much bigger. Band does not have the macho image of sports, so it takes even more dedication to perform at this incredible level. And for any school to have such a large group of students with the breath control, stamina, dexterity, rhythm, talented ears, coordination, intelligence, and discipline to work as a precision group, is amazing. My hat’s off to them and to all the other band members in the valley. They’re a special breed of athlete and student!

By bolt80

January 3, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

heck yes it is as important. these kids practice upwards of 30 hours a week. more than the football teams do. congrats northmont!!!!

By Amy Linder

January 3, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this

Yes! I too was thrilled to see the front page story covering the Northmont Marching Band being awarded “Grand Champion”. It seems that marching band is normally considered a “side-note”, so to speak, at high school football games. Something to watch or listen to while you wait for halftime to end, while you’re waiting in line at the concession stand along with everyone else in the stadium. Not many people realize, though, how much preparation and hard work that the marching bands undertake for their performances. To be sure, Northmont’s band spends more time getting ready for their season than most of the “team sports”. They practice for the majority of the summer, several days per week, culminating in “mini-camps” and “band camps” where the kids practice their music, marching, choreography, etc, from morning until late afternoon/evening (depending on the schedule). When school starts, they practice each day and on many Saturdays. I’m extremely happy to see them (and Mr. Reg Richwine) get the recognition that they deserve after such a long season of hard work. (I’m only disappointed that the fiesta bowl parade wasn’t televised here in Dayton!)