Granada Hills Charter High School, John Elway's Alumni High School, this year has decided to not have their famous, acknowledged, and highly decorated famous 'Highlander Marching Band' in full Kilts, not march during the High School football games this year (2015). The Band Director, Jeffrey McCandless made this decision today and announced it to the children and the parents. The reasoning from the director was the Cheer and Dance teams also wanted to share the time, leaving 4 minutes for the band to perform.  Mr. McCandless stated 4 minutes was not enough time for the band to perform.  

Being a Veteran of the United Stated Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps, professional musician, and a High School marching band Alumni, I sincerely disagree.  You can get the crowds attention in less than 10 seconds and wow them in 1 minute.  In 4, you can get pure excitement in the air.  Have you ever been in this position to 'WOW" a crowd? Imagine a 15-18 year old child to experience this - hundreds of people standing and cheering for Your accomplishments?  Mr. McCandless should not be giving up on our Children, rather find options.  It should be about working for our children. Mr. McCandless you are a teacher, and an appointed leader of our children, please do not show them how to give up, or how to cut corners.  I don't want my children learning the term 'when it is convenient'. 

2 Simple Suggestions:

1.  Create a 4 minute show.  Mr. McCandless has been there a few years now and touts he knows how to lead and run a Marching Band.  Prove it.  Don't give up on our children.

2.  Everyone play along. If you have Dance, Cheer and Band that wants to all share the field for 10-12 minutes, then the leader should  prove they are a Marching Band Leader - create a show that will incorporate all 3 groups at the same time and 'WOW' the crowd, the fellow students, your peers, the parents, and the visiting team.  (Note:  Suggested, as this will make any leader a local Hero)

Give our Children a chance to have fun, and to experience Success, don't worry about 4 minutes of time that you have to work on.  Our children are our future.  Don't show them how to quit.