My daughter is playing in the band this year. They can only start in the 5th grade so it is a big deal for the kids. I've heard over and over about how great they sound-----you will be amazed at them during their first concert. Yeah, well, I played in the band and we knew how we sounded!

I found out today that each kid has to pass playing each song they will perform or they don't 'really' get to play during the concert. Yeah, that's right they have to fake that they are playing because they aren't good enough to play the song.

That is just wrong if you ask me. It is what it is. Each kids should just play what they can and the rest of us can enjoy it as best we can.

To me this is like being on a sports team and making the kids that aren't any good sit on the bench. Wrong,,wrong, wrong.

It's not about my daughter because I guess she is passing and will likely play.

Should I say something to the powers in charge at her school or just be a good parent and sit back and watch? I guess now I know why the new band sounds so good and we will all be amazed.

Remember when kids were just allowed to be kids? Now it's push push push. All their play activities are regimented and if you're not perfect, you're off the team. Is it a wonder why we're putting kids on Ritilin, Prozac and other anti-depressents??
Half the beauty of a 5th grade concert is to hear the flat notes and klinkers--life is full of them. Best that kids should know how to deal with them while they're young. When I was a kid, there was a time for piano lessons and a time to put your hair in pig-tails and climb a tree or ride a bike with a playing card clipped to the spokes with a clothespin. I think my generation did just fine, thank you.

Wow ! Unless this is a school that is specifically for kids who are musical prodigies, I would say that the policy of "you can't play if you're not good enough" is horrendous. What a great way to discourage the kids. :-/ Who cares what they sound like ! Music is supposed to be fun !

tela, I would definitely say something.

This is just ridiculous! My daughter always played in the school band, and she was pretty good. But, ALL the band members played at every concert...the sound we heard was not always perfect, but that's what made it so cute and sweet!

I, too, would complain to the higher ups if I were you. That is so sad...

Di

Call the school board and get this stopped.If the parents are paying for instruments the kids should all play.GOD-bless