Band parent

Students marching at Cavalcade of Bands at Springford HS on Sep. 20th

Whenever somebody is talking about sports, one would probably expect them to talk about baseball, football, soccer, or hockey. But no one would usually expect them to bring up marching band. By definition, marching band is a sport. It is a physical activity and skill for the entertainment of others. But what do other people have to say on this matter?

Some students from the marching band were talking about it when Age Brounce, a color guard member in 9th grade, said, “It is obviously a sport. It involves physical activity and it is very competitive.” They also said, “It is very physically draining because you are walking and running on a field for 10 minutes without stopping. It is more physically active than tennis.”

Anthony Gargano, an alto saxophone player in 11th grade, said, “Marching band is a sport because it utilizes people’s abilities and physical participation, which would make people agree that marching band is a sport.”

Mr. Langdon, the band director, had a tough time deciding on what his opinion was. He said, “This is a question I’ve come across a lot; I think for a fact that marching band is an athletic activity.” “Marching band aligns more with gymnastics; a judge is judging you on your excellence. It’s not like soccer when you get a 100% score.” When asked again on the question he said “It is a performance-art sport.”

Other people who are not in the marching band disagree with the views of those who partake in or collaborate with the marching band. Hailey Gress, a freshman, said, “No, I feel like it is just challenging and requires skill.” She also stated, “There is no assured point system, other judges could see it and they could give different scores.” Gage Gehris, a senior, said “It is not a sport. It does not require as much physical exertion as other sports. It is pretty much professional walking. I would be offended if it were a sport.”

On the Boyertown athletics website, there is a marching band category, however, there is no information within the category.

There is a way that could make this into a sport. Contact the athletic department and talk to them about making marching band, or whatever activity you want to make a sport, a sport.

The students’ opinions did vary, but it was only among the students in the marching band and color guard who said it was a sport. Other students who are not in the band consistently agreed that marching band should not be considered a sport.

My opinion is, that marching band should be a sport. Just because you are ‘speedwalking’ does not mean it can’t be physically exhausting.