Ayo, T-Town (10/15/2009 9:35:37 AM)

Both sports and music programs are wonderful. I can't degrade either of them. I did both.

As a reader, I would have much more interest in the band competition than reading about a grossly obese coach who cheats the system to win state championships.

Both of my siblings were in marching band. The Marines and the Army tried their best to recruit my brother for their outstanding bands during the Vietnam era. To his chagrin his bad knees kept him out of the military bands. He did win a music scholarship.

tulsa native, Tulsa (10/15/2009 6:37:48 PM)

I know the Tulsa World staff is stretched thin but covering one or several of these championships would be much appreciated and enjoyed by the readers and give these hard working kids and directors some much deserved praise. On the Tulsa World website some video with the wonderful sounds could be enjoyed. Please try to work in some coverage this time every year. Thanks

Massey, Tulsa (10/15/2009 3:47:46 PM)

I participated in band in high school and the OBA competition was like our superbowl....our world series. It was fantastic fun and my best memories of high school. I'm so glad to see music programs are surviving in our schools!

psychedelikrelik, Tulsa (10/15/2009 11:18:00 AM)

Cosmic, Ayo. Both my brothers were in marching band, too.

Best of luck to the competitors.

Skeptic, Tulsa (10/15/2009 8:37:28 AM)

Unfortunately, money talks BowlerDave. And in this case, at the expense of very talented kids.

Good letter!

Bigbadbri, Broken Arrow (10/15/2009 4:42:34 PM)

The best time I had in high school was in band. I marched in a band that won state and regional championships in the 80's and continues to be a top program today. I even went to college to be a band director and was for several years. The kids and the instructors work very hard from before school starts in August until this time of year. Band and music offer opportunities that other sports cannot. I hope the arts remain an important part of out kids educational experience.

Hereandthere, Tulsa (10/15/2009 8:42:07 AM)

These kids work hard all year round to be the best they can be! The next competition is on the 24th at Tuttle stadium for 4A & 5A divisions. Not only is the music great but the talent and dedication is obvious in the elaborate shows they put on. Just because they don't throw a ball doesn't diminish the importance and deserved acclaim of our high school bands!

tulsamom.918, (10/16/2009 12:14:00 PM)

BowlerDave: This letter does not address the issue of who brings in money to the schools. The topic addressed in this letter is why the Tulsa World does not report on high school band achievements. Regardless of whether band is a money maker for schools, the Tulsa World has a responsibility to report on their achievements. Let's face it, we could use a little good news in our day. Reporting on the band championships would be a bright spot in an often dreary news day.

tulsamom.918, (10/17/2009 8:11:31 PM)

More news on Oklahoma bands. Several area high school bands have been competing this weekend in the Bands of America Super Regionals in St. Louis Missouri. Over 50 high school bands from more than 7 states marched yesterday and today. Four area high school bands have advanceded to the final round of competition. In class AAAA, Union placed 3rd, Owasso 2nd, and Broken Arrow 1st. Broken Arrow was the Class AAAA champion, winning two of three caption awards. In class A, Berryhill High School won all three caption awards and won class champion. All four bands are in the top 14 and are marching this evening in the final competition. Congratulations to Union, Broken Arrow, Owasso and Berryhill! Good luck in the finals!

BowlerDave, Tulsa (10/15/2009 8:16:08 AM)

How much money does the band bring in? How much money does football bring in?

Does someone really have to tell you it's all about money?

D R Sparks, Yukon (10/15/2009 8:59:27 AM)

This grandmother of a dedicated highschool band member appreciates these kind comments. While the sports programs certainly generate money, the music and the exercise and the dedication of these band members produce leaders of the future, scholars and the backbone of the next decades of "movers and shakers".

kevin bravo, (10/16/2009 9:18:48 PM)

this is also the same tulsa world that will give a large front page coverage to OU losing a game yet a small corner article about TU winning their game on the same day.

personally, i dont see why the bands even care to perform at football games. the football teams in no way support them back. let the football players play their own fightsong when they score.

taz72176, (10/15/2009 12:21:16 PM)

Congrats to all those who participated in the competition!

BowlerDave, the fact that football brings in more money than band competitions does not make the hard work of the students any less important or admirable. These students work very hard to memorize the music, learn the choreography of the show, and put the two together and perfect it. It takes a great deal of hard work and dedication and the students who participate should be recognized for their efforts regardless of the money they do/don't bring in.