LETTER: That band director still needs to go

Editor,

I am writing to respond to the issues raised by Kathryn Fifield in her letter of Sept. 13 and subsequent letters supporting her position.

Ms. Fifield’s first point was that band members do not have time to memorize 10 minutes of music. She also claimed that during a halftime show there is not sufficient time to do anything other than run on the field.

Both points are bogus. If music cannot be memorized, why can other collegiate bands do it? Why can my son’s high school band do it? They only practice after school two nights per week and change their show weekly.

The claim that running on the field is the only time-efficient manner to enter the field is similarly invalid. All marching bands face the same constraints; some have enough creativity and class to overcome them. The issue does not revolve around corps versus show style, it is merely one of organizational pride and commitment to a quality performance.

Those who have followed this issue in The Statesman during the past month may note that I share surnames with the original writer, Roger Griffin. We are brothers and both marched in the Sky View band that earned second place at the Marching Bands of America National Finals. I was the band commander; he played saxophone.

Based on extensive experience, we recognize quality performances. We also recognize poor performances. Both exist at the collegiate- and high-school levels. A director whose band runs on the field and does not require members to memorize their music should either upgrade his organization or turn it over to someone who is capable of bringing the band to the level of many other collegiate and high school bands.

DeVon Griffin

Class of 1986