Help the Marching Blue and Gold

Help the Marching Blue and Gold

Recent signers:
Katelyn and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

          The Walnut Hills High School Marching Band — known as the Marching Blue and Gold — is a proud and longstanding tradition at one of Ohio's most respected public schools. The band performs at football games, local parades, and competitive marching band events throughout the fall season. What makes the Marching Blue & Gold stand out is its blend of tradition and community spirit. The band draws from a student body known for its academic rigor - yet the marching band remains an inclusive, supportive group where musicians of all experience levels come together to perform and create. On June 11th, Marching Band members, parents, and patrons all received an email stating that  "the Marching Blue & Gold will not receive the level of field access that allows the program to operate successfully".  This entails one rehearsal per week, before football games.  As a collective, there are so many moving parts in this band that simply cannot be put together with one rehearsal a week.  If we were to continue with the once a week rehearsal schedule, we would be classified as a " Pep Band".  Our only opportunity to perform would be from the sidelines at football games. Therefore, the color guard as a whole would be cut. We wouldn't even be able to put on a full show. Marching band has been a beloved part of our community for over a century and helps students grow in their confidence, individuality, and musical talents. The Marching Blue and Gold is more than just an extracurricular; it's a family. I encourage you all to take these extra steps to save our beloved marching band, as well as contacting administrators, CPS officials, and anyone who will listen.  Our goal with this petition is simple — to secure the fair and consistent field time that the Walnut Hills Marching Band has earned, so we can continue building a program that truly represents the excellence of this school.

avatar of the starter
Molly WPetition Starter

4,262

Recent signers:
Katelyn and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

          The Walnut Hills High School Marching Band — known as the Marching Blue and Gold — is a proud and longstanding tradition at one of Ohio's most respected public schools. The band performs at football games, local parades, and competitive marching band events throughout the fall season. What makes the Marching Blue & Gold stand out is its blend of tradition and community spirit. The band draws from a student body known for its academic rigor - yet the marching band remains an inclusive, supportive group where musicians of all experience levels come together to perform and create. On June 11th, Marching Band members, parents, and patrons all received an email stating that  "the Marching Blue & Gold will not receive the level of field access that allows the program to operate successfully".  This entails one rehearsal per week, before football games.  As a collective, there are so many moving parts in this band that simply cannot be put together with one rehearsal a week.  If we were to continue with the once a week rehearsal schedule, we would be classified as a " Pep Band".  Our only opportunity to perform would be from the sidelines at football games. Therefore, the color guard as a whole would be cut. We wouldn't even be able to put on a full show. Marching band has been a beloved part of our community for over a century and helps students grow in their confidence, individuality, and musical talents. The Marching Blue and Gold is more than just an extracurricular; it's a family. I encourage you all to take these extra steps to save our beloved marching band, as well as contacting administrators, CPS officials, and anyone who will listen.  Our goal with this petition is simple — to secure the fair and consistent field time that the Walnut Hills Marching Band has earned, so we can continue building a program that truly represents the excellence of this school.

avatar of the starter
Molly WPetition Starter

The Decision Makers

Brandon Craig
Cincinnati City School Board
Responded
The Board is aware of the concern raised regarding the allocation of field time for the Walnut Hills High School Marching Blue & Gold. We appreciate the passion that our many parents, students, alumni, and others have expressed in support of the importance that music can have in a young learner's life. As field allocation is a school matter, it would not be within the jurisdiction of the board and, therefore, we do not make the decisions around use of the fields. However, there are ongoing talks between the Band Director and the school's administration to ensure a resolution is reached that will be as fair and equitable as possible. The Board will work with the Superintendent and her administration to monitor the situation and provide the public with a timely answer to those concerns expressed when possible. Brandon Craig President, Board of Education Cincinnati Public Schools
Shauna Murphy
Shauna Murphy
Superintendent, Cincinnati Public Schools
Responded
Dear Walnut Hills High School Community, Thank you for your continued passion and dedication to the rich traditions of Walnut Hills High School. Over the course of the last few days, our administration has received several emails from parents, alumni, current students, and community supporters regarding the field time allocation for our Marching Band at Marx Stadium. We hear your concerns clearly. In the spirit of transparency, collaboration, and our commitment to clear communication, we want to assure our families that we are entirely committed to student-centered outcomes and ensuring that all of our students—both our athletes and musicians—have the resources they need to thrive. Our school leadership spoke directly with both Band Directors to continue an open dialogue. Our goal remains to find a mutually beneficial solution that supports the safety and excellence of our students without causing operational disruptions to previously scheduled programs. We are actively looking for ways to best support the program. We appreciate your patience, your constructive feedback, and your shared love for the Walnut Hills community as we work through this process together. Respectfully, Shauna J. Murphy Superintendent Cincinnati Public Schools Here For Kids!
John Chambers
John Chambers
Principal, Walnut Hills High School

Supporter Voices

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