I must admit I was initially upset about the Fayette County High School Band being disinvited to play in the 2000 Olympic Opening Ceremonies and was against accepting a different itinerary until...

Until I heard the positive attitude of band director Kenny Beard at last Monday's band meeting. Yes, we were dealt an unfair set of cards, but when life gives you lemons, Mr. Beard knows how to turn it into lemonade.

Others in the country that also were invited, then disinvited, are being very negative and in our sue-happy society want to pursue that route.

After these band directors worked with the Australia Olympic Committee and Australia's government, Kenny Beard endorses a revised itinerary that gives the opportunity for our band to perform at the Sydney Opera House.

Can you believe that? They will play at the most famous landmark in Australia as well as the torch celebration, the Parliament House, Bruce Stadium Olympic events and other performances. In the process, our children will learn about another culture and still be part of the worldwide excitement.

Australian officials (and I think countrymen also) will welcome us with open arms. SOCOG has offered to write endorsement letters to help with fund-raising and Mr. John Moore from the Sydney Olympic organizing committee has personally said he'd help with fund-raising phone calls to some of the major Olympic sponsors. They realize our frustration and are bending over backwards to help.

I hope other band families will let go of the past and look to the future. Like everything else in life, it's how you view things, and after listening to Mr. Beard, I've decided I like lemonade.

I think this is still a once in a lifetime opportunity. As we wait on the band member families to vote on whether to accept the new itinerary and go to Australia, I want Mr. Beard to know that no matter which way the vote goes, I am thrilled to have such a positive man with strong character as a teacher for my son for the next four years (and hopefully my two other children after that).

Donna Fornito
Dfornito@aol.com

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