YOUR VIEW: Before ditching GHS kilts, do a little research

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January 24, 2010

Special report The Glasgow Daily Times Sun Jan 24, 2010, 09:32 AM CST

GLASGOW — Dear Editor,

With all the hype surrounding the proposed uniform change for the Scottie Band, I’d like to provide some much-needed perspective on this situation. That is, a logical and practical perspective. Because I was never a member of the Scottie band (or any band, for that matter), my emotions are easily removed. And even after eliminating the desire to preserve that suffocating, ever-present “tradition,” the Scotties still don’t need new uniforms. Here’s why:

According to kyband.com, the results of Barren County High School’s Marching Band Competition speak volumes. GHS placed 8th out of 10 overall, with their largest score gap (between themselves and the leader) in the music category. In fact, the band collectively lost 12.28 points from the music categories as opposed to 7.21 points from the visual categories. The 12.28 points lost from the music category accounted for 63 percent of the band’s total points lost. Obviously this is only one example.

To thoroughly assess the band’s shortcomings, one would need to evaluate at least an entire season. With that said however, mathematically speaking, the Scotties lost more points for their musical performance than for their visual performance during this particular competition.

Unfortunately, too, kyband.com does not post the judges’ comments as a supplement to the numerical scores. As a result, who knows why the Scotties are losing points in the visual categories? Is it the kilts, or is the band not executing the routine correctly? Not stopping when they should, turning the wrong way, marching out of unison … During the 2007-08 season, the band’s show included an effect in which an enormous piece of fabric was pulled over the entire band, symbolizing the rebirth of a phoenix. The first time I saw this effect, I was impressed, to say the least. However, the following week, during a competition no less, the fabric wasn’t pulled high enough, resulting in a very different effect: the flattening and dragging of several students. No doubt the band’s visual scores were low that night, due in no part to the kilts.

Before spending thousands to replace the kilts, there are more logical and practical steps to be taken. First, starting next season, step up the intensity of the band program. Increase individual accountability and pride. Perfect the band’s musical performance. Make sure each note is played and each step is marched correctly. Then, if the Scotties still haven’t regained their former glory, take a hard, honest look at what is holding them back. If the problem truly lies with the kilts, ditch them. What a shame for a prideful piece of nostalgia to stand in the way of success.

Sara Glanz

Glasgow

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