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Show - Eate.of.WX band uncertain.,:. By JUDY JENSEN Editor J WOODS CROSS Woods Cross High School may lose its award winning marching band. Director Steve Richins and Principal Prin-cipal Wally Hawkins are discussing discus-sing the pros and cons of continuing con-tinuing the band program that has won six state championships in its ten year history. According to Mr. Hawkins, there are several areas of concern regarding the program that involves in-volves approximately 150 students each year. He explained the cost of outfitting the band is a major factor. fac-tor. "Each year we spend at least $10,000 to purchase new uniforms and Mr. Richins said there are six tubas that need to be replaced at this time." Mr. Richins no longer has the time to spend on the fund raising activities required to finance fi-nance the band. In addition to the cost, it is becoming be-coming increasingly more difficult to get the students involved to agree to the time commitment required re-quired to produce an award winning win-ning band. Conflicts with family, work and academics prevent the students from being able to give the program 100 percent dedication. Mr. Hawkins explained that a recent re-cent survey showed that of 165 students stu-dents only 55 agreed to commit the necessary time. Staffing problems are another concern. "Colleges just aren't turning out kids that want to help CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Band fate uncertain CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 with high school bands," according accord-ing to Mr. Hawkins. He said it would be virtually impossible to hire a band leader outside of the school who would agree to spend the amount of time required for the wage the school could pay. One of the major concerns is that the marching band students do not improve their musicial ability in proportion to the amount of time spent. "More time, and more money is spent on that one group than the combined total of our six other programs, but it does less for the students in terms of developing their musical skills," according to Mr. Hawkins. Another casualty of the marching mar-ching band program, if the decision to dissolve the band is made, would be the 24 member girls' marching group; the Flags. An appointment to the award winning auxiliary team is a prestigious accomplishment accomplish-ment for Woods Cross High School girls. "We realize there are many positive posi-tive things that come out of the program, and we will not make a final decision until we have investi- f gated the question thoroughly," said Mr. Hawkins. He added that the band boosters will meet tonight to discuss the proposal and a second survey of ninth grade students stu-dents will be made to determine future interest. When asked for his response to the proposal, University of Utah Marching Band Director Richard Clary's only response was, "Oh my gosh!" He explained that the University relies heavily on Woods Cross High School for recruits. ' ' We would like to offer all of Steve Richins' students scholarships. The quality of that program is due to the instructor. Woods Cross High students are valued highh here because of the strength ofV their music educator." Former Woods Cross High students stu-dents and band members are dismayed dis-mayed at the proposal; as one put it, "The band is one of the best things the school has. It's something some-thing to be proud of." One local orchestra leader expressed ex-pressed concern that if the number one band in the state dissolves "can the rest of the bands be far behind?" '4 |