Marching Band directors apply to different competitions every year. Most look at the other bands in their class to see how difficult it would be to win their class or the whole competition.

All of the bands in Fayette are superb this year. Whitewater's is spectacular. Fayette County's show is a different caliber because they participate in BOA every year. It would be exciting to see other schools in the county start to get involved with BOA. Starr's Mill and McIntosh's shows are excellent as well. Sandy Creek is going through a transition period and while their band is small, they pour all their time and talent into producing the best show possible and making it fun for the audience.

I can say this because I've seen all of the bands through my high school band years and, having participated, can judge without bias.

Plus, I saw all of the bands at the Fayette County Exhibition (this is very interesting. Y'all should check it out next year.)

Thanks, I was not sure how things worked. The way it was written it made it sound like they were the best. I also went to the Exhibition, and one competiton- McIntosh was not at the competion but I saw them at the Exhibition, I know this will make alot of people angry but with Peachtree City hype I was not impressed. I guess I expected more from them - that is not said to be mean. I do plan on going to the Exhibion next year- I know the kids must work hard at McIntosh- but I saw more desire to achieve with Sandy Creek which I felt like they were about the same size with band members. It must be hard to perform if your band is not large- I must say I admire Sandy Creek because they knew what they had to face with the larger bands. Of course they are going to sound louder, larger etc. But, I felt they did give it their all. Parents care and get involved. To me it takes alot more talent to play a instrument in front of a crowd than to catch a ball??? Football is not everyone's life. It's sad that Band kids and parents are treated different. Schools support your band- they support you by playing for the football team.

Well, I don't know what you saw but I would suspect that McIntosh worked hard as do all the bands. As for talent required to do both; I can't judge that as I can't play football nor play an instrument. I'm in awe of the talents of each of these young people. My goal is support my son, his band, and his school.

I wish you well at whatever school you and your son end up. And I know that you will likewise support him, his band, and his school.
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Sorry, I did not intend to offend anyone- it's just while trying to pick a place to live- PTC was the most talked about area. I am sure they try and work hard. I was just saying I guess I expected more like Whitewater, FCHS etc. To me they all did a great job. I did expect more because everyone says that PTC is the place so of course I expected them; to be the best one out of all of them. I just want the best for all the kids that try and work hard., As far as football, my brother played and was successful- but has some health problems which he thinks could have caused it. My husband and son both have played in the band. People who don't have kids in the band don't have a clue how hard they try and work, I just want the support from the football team and parents, sometimes it seems a little one sided. Again, sorry-

I'm an FCHS varsity football and marching band parent and can honestly say both of my children work year round in these particular activities.

Hutch makes an excellent point about the football team and band feeding off of each other after our games. After the team shakes the opposing teams' hands, the first thing they do is head over in front of the band, then the band starts playing our fight song just for the players, and the players get excited all over again jumping up and down, etc. It's great to see both groups support each other.

Wherever you choose a home, your child will attend an excellent Fayette County school. Please don't make a decision on where to live based solely on a school's current band, football, soccer, basketball teams, etc. success or lack thereof.

I don't think Cy was offended, I think he was just pointing out that McIntosh kids worked just as hard as the rest of the schools. Come to our game at FCHS this weekend and see how our football team and band feed off each other especially at the end of the game.

I yam what I yam...Popeye

Lilly,
Don't worry. There will always be someone on this site that disagrees with what you are saying.

A lot of football parents will attack those of us that favor the bands and vice versa.

However, no one school is the best in everything year to year. One year Whitewater might be superb in football and the next, Fayette County is undefeated.

Every school has it's moments of fame, but it's a cycle. Sometimes a long cycle, but still a cycle.

As for education. They are all superb. Right now, McIntosh is top dog. Two years ago, Sandy Creek had the highest scores. Trying to decipher the stats can be misleading. Just choose an area of town that you like. The school that correlates to that area will be just as good and so will the marching band and other sports teams.

It's pretty easy to enter competitions. Just fill out the form and submit along with the up-front fees. As you observed, parent involvement is very critical to the success of any band.

Mr. Doug Dee has done a very good job with WHS although I'm partial to FCHS and the job that Myra Rhoden has performed as director and the outstanding work of the FCHS marching corp. But again it's the background support that the parents provide. We're, at FCHS, blessed with some super support of some of the first year band parents like "hutch866", "acey1", and “chippie”. GO TIGERS!!!!
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Thanks Cy, but as I remember it, you were beside me most of this weekend so thank yourself too.

I yam what I yam...Popeye

Did I ever tell you that........... Hey, we had fun. I didn't get up until almost 0900. Didn't get to church and been basically lazy all day.
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Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.