For those  who dream of musical excellence and community pride, the football field is their stage. However, our band and colorguard are being unfairly sidelined and restricted from full access to this vital rehearsal space, compromising  practice sessions, performances, and ultimately their potential. They don't have a place to practice the formations.  Marching band and colorguard are  highly coordinated, physically rigorous activity where students learn complex visual drill formations. For their safety and to properly prepare for competitions, practicing is an absolute necessity.  they need the football field because it has the exact dimensions, yard lines, and hash marks provide a physical grid required to learn, space, and synchronize complex visual formations. The school's state-ranking music program lacks equal access to municipal-funded school facilities.

The Pines Charter Marching Band is an integral part of the school's identity. They bring spirit, creativity, and unity to school events. Yet, due to scheduling conflicts and prioritization of other activities, they find themselves constantly negotiating for time and space on the football field and there is no alternative space to rehearse. This not only hampers their preparations but also sends a disheartening message about the value placed on arts and the members effort within the school.

Because the competitive season is tightly packed, we would love to collaborate on a fair, structured solution ASAP. We brought up this issue at the open forum at the November 10, 2025  Advisory board meeting:

"A parent also brought up the use of the field situation, stating the band was not able to practice sufficiently due to
so many teams needing the field also for their practices. Mr. Bayer explained there are
33 sports and other teams that have need of the field for some of their practice time and
it is a constant scheduling opportunity."  https://tinyurl.com/2h478yrw

Another parent tried talking to the athletics department without success.

The marching band is an actual grade for a class with around 100 students not just an extracurricular activity.  Having to maneuver around the sports teams’ priorities creates really unrealistic and demanding schedules for the band kids—many of whom are taking honors, AP, and AICE classes that require homework time. These kids are staying up until all hours of the night completing assignments and then sometimes staying at school for like 14 hours the next day—or later if they have a game.

We propose a fair and equal scheduling system that allows both the marching band and sports teams ample access to the football field. This can be achieved through transparent communication and strategic planning that respects all students' right to an equitable educational experience. In case this can't be done, the kids need an alternative place they can call their own.  A good solution for next season, will be the empty parking lot next to the football field.

Let's stand together for Pines Charter marching band, for fairness, and for the future of arts within our school. With your support, we can ensure that both sports and music have the opportunity to thrive.

Sign this petition to ensure our voices are heard and to bring about the necessary changes needed to support the fine arts equally alongside athletics at Pines Charter.