The marching band program at one of San Jose’s biggest high schools is shutting down for the rest of the school year, an abrupt decision that has many families wondering why.
The Independence High School marching band, known as the 76th Calvary, has been busy preparing for events, including a regional competition in the next few weeks. But all that abruptly came to an end after the school’s principal sent out a letter saying they made a difficult decision to halt the band program’s activities for the remainder of the school year.
In the letter, the principal wrote, “We are using this time to reflect, learn as an educational community, and thoughtfully establish the appropriate structures, leadership, and supports necessary to build a strong, consistent, and sustainable program in the years ahead.”
Dennis Morrow, a parent in the marching band’s booster club, said the decision was unexpected and jarring.
“There has been a lot of parents that have been very upset, but more importantly, the kids have been very upset,” he said. “I think that’s the thing that hurts me the most – seeing these kids being so upset after working so hard over this year and many years for this program.”
The booster club said the letter did not offer details about why the decision was made.
Since the letter pointed out the assessment was made during the past four days, Morrow speculated it has to do with a temporary band director as well as an assistant stepping down last week. But he emphasized he had not been told that specifically. In fact, he said he had not been given any specifics.
Morrow noted the booster club was removed as the primary funding source for the band last year with no explanation.
Morrow said the boosters would now like to step up and save the season.
“I come with a large marching band experience and lots of family and friends,” he said. “Those people are actually coming to me and saying, ‘How can we help?’ I actually have friends that are accredited teachers that are willing to step in to move the program forward. We’ve asked the principal, ‘Hey, can you provide us clarity? Can we come to the table with funds, additional resources, whatever?’ But we still haven’t heard anything back from them.”
