Nope, that's the way they roll in Plano. It's not required, though it is highly suggested, that band students take private lessons both before starting their 6th grade year, all the way through the subsequent school years and summers. The free band teacher at school handed us a list of trombone teachers the day she selected her instrument.

My nephew played in Tiger Band the last 4 years. WHile I always loved the band, I developed a deep appreciation of the time and effort needed to be a member while he was playing. This while studying to be an engineer. These kids are talented and have to be devoted to playing.

Being a former band member and knowing how hard it is to get everything down in less than a week I'll pay anyone of you to take less than a week learn 3+ songs along with the formations and then go out and march infront of 90,000+ people. Bands use older songs because in a lot of cases its the only songs that you have the sheet music for its not that easy to find sheet music for disturbed down with the sickness I dont think they use alot of flutes in there music. And I do know about 5000 people from up in my part of the state that come to the LSU games for the band only( I think they lost there freaking minds myself enjoy the game) but they bus up and go down at least once or twice a year just to see the band once they are done they leave. Heck go to Northwestern State game 25,000+ at the game no one goes to see the football game they go to see SON( Spirit Of Northwestern) once they are done half the crowd leaves. Heck I think even the football team shows up just to see them. But unless you been there band stuff will always be boring to you but as former band person myself I love to see them perform I'm coming down this season for the band first and the game second( Who really cares about UW anyway)