By LISA SIMPSON STRANGE
GLASGOW — Glasgow High School Scottie Band members will continue to wear kilts when they perform. They will, however, now also wear pants — sometimes.
Following more than an hour-long debate between those in favor of the addition of a second uniform for performances in competition and those against the proposal, the Glasgow school board voted unanimously to support adding the second uniform option.
Representatives from the two opposing sides took turns at the podium Monday night in the cafeteria of South Green Elementary during the district’s regular board meeting to explain why they believed one way or the other about the idea.
GHS band director Corey Bonds had presented the idea of a two-uniform band during the December board meeting. He explained at that time and in subsequent interviews that because of the changes in judging at Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) marching band competitions, the Scottie Band was losing points in their visual performance scores because of their kilted uniforms.
During Monday night’s meeting, Bonds had two band students wear the two different uniforms and demonstrated to the crowd the problems the traditional kilted uniforms now cause when being judged in competitions. Because band contests have become more “marching theater” and “dance acrobatics” in recent years, he said, the uniforms band members wear during competition need to have the ability to make each marcher look taller and have cleaner lines with clarity of spacing.
Tambra Cambron, a music teacher in the Glasgow schools, gave a slide presentation supporting Bonds’ reasons for adding the competition uniform. She said the way judges score bands now in general visual effectiveness is that effectiveness of repertoire is 60 points and performer effectiveness is 40 points.
Former band director Jim Stuppy spoke about taking the Scottie Band to state championships during his time at the head of the Glasgow program and said it was more about playing stronger and marching cleaner than it was about the kilts and that is why he opposed the change.
“Will new uniforms improve body lines? Somewhat. But so can I by changing body line and how you carry yourself,” he said.
Board members each voiced what a hard decision they had to make, but in the end it came down to “what’s best for the kids,” and what would give them every advantage to succeed.
In choosing between tradition and the best interests of the students, each said the children had to come first.
