To the Editor:
The proposal by the Glasgow Scottie Band to add a new uniform for use in competition has generated a lively discussion of pros and cons. This community cares about one of its most recognizable symbols. We’re proud of the kilts and everyone agrees it’s important to keep them.
Our challenge is the changing expectations for judging marching bands. While we see the best looking band in the state, judges see a band that is out of step. The traditional look that works so well for parades and performances is a scoring obstacle in marching competition.
Some have suggested, including me at times, our kids just need to work harder to overcome whatever disadvantage they have. For three years I’ve seen our band director, Corey Bonds, motivate a hard working and well behaved group of teens to work even harder and show even more discipline. These young people have responded in a way that every supporter can be proud of. Do we just tell these students to be satisfied they are part of a proud tradition?
Tradition is more than nostalgia, and pride is based on more than just looking different. I’ve learned that Scottie tradition means putting our best on the field every week. Scottie pride means competing at the highest level. An additional “competition only” uniform is needed to insure our kids start every contest on a level playing field. I hope our community will support this band’s efforts.
Regardless of whether you favor or oppose this addition, I hope you’ll cheer on this generation of the Glasgow Scottie Band when you see them performing locally in their kilts. Your support of all the Scottie teams and activities is both greatly needed and appreciated.
Ken Cambron
Band parent
Uniforms should not be changed
To Whom it may concern:
I am a prior band parent of 10 years. I feel that the people wanting to change the uniforms are not thinking straight. Glasgow was named for the Scottish. Kilts are Scottish, Duh!
We do not have the right to change heritage. Would we change Christmas just because it suited us? No, because it started along time ago in Bethlehem when the Christ child was born.
Where are our morals, our foundations? I feel that if you do not want to wear the uniform because of prideful reasons or take care of it because it is expensive, you do not deserve to be in the Glasgow Scottie Band.
This band thing goes way back farther than me. Put this out in the city for feedback from other band members and their families and see what you come up with.
God bless you, the ones who are trying to push this through. I think you are walking on rocky ground. You'll need all the prayers and blessings you can get. I will start praying now that this will be whatever God's will, will be for this situation.
Paula Huffman
Former Proud Scottie
Band Parent
