A letter from the President
of the SCBDA, Connie Grantham.

Other Letters

South Carolina Band Directors Association

"South Carolina's Bands Pause and Resolve"

It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter to you. Our nation has been dealt a terrible blow in the terrorist acts that destroyed the World Trade Center in New York City, and The Pentagon, in Washington, DC.  These cities have been good to many band programs in South Carolina, as they have given us a destination to take students on field trips for many different musical venues. Both buildings that were targeted have been on band trip agendas and we have enjoyed touring these national landmarks. It is hard to imagine the destruction. Many of our schools systems took time on Tuesday to remember lives lost and give honor to rescue workers by the cancellation of school activities on Tuesday afternoon. Living near Charlotte, NC, a major hub for US Airways, it has been very eerie without the continual noise of incoming jets to the Charlotte Douglas Airport.  It was a sight for sore eyes to see planes flying over Fort Mill High School late Thursday afternoon and evening at marching band practice. Planes that had been grounded due to the tragedy in New York and Washington were finally being allowed to return to their original destinations. Life was trying to get back to normal.

I have been very proud of our association and the number of you who have taken the lead to show respect and honor to our country with your marching band activities this past week. We have the opportunity to teach young people and refresh our communities with a sense of American pride through music, the universal language. I encourage all of us to show our patriotism through the performance of American songs and hymns. These songs are American “fight songs” much like we play school “fight songs” to encourage and improve school spirit at a sporting event. If you can include some American tunes in addition to the National Anthem in your stands folder, it will be a great reminder to our school population that America is proud, powerful, and UNITED! Also I am asking you as president of the SCBDA to consider donning red, white, and blue ribbons on the left chest of your band uniforms at all public performances for the remainder of the marching season. This is in honor of the civilians and military personnel whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001. It also shows support for rescue and recovery workers and symbolizes that we are a united country and will prevail.  Please understand that this is a request. It would be wonderful to witness at all marching contests a sea of red, white, and blue. I hope that your band will participate.

I wish you success in the weeks to come with your marching season.  

May God bless America!

Connie Grantham
President
South Carolina Band Directors Association