Lodi High School band should wear uniforms

I wanted to write this letter to express my frustration with the Lodi High School band.

I graduated from Lodi High, as did my parents and sisters, as well as my two daughters, and I now have a son playing football for Lodi.

My oldest daughter used to be in the Lodi High band back when they were required to look like a band. I was disappointed last year when I saw them walking into the football game, wearing whatever they wanted. This year, when they came into the Homecoming game not in uniform, it was extremely frustrating.

Our band should be in full uniform for Homecoming. I have heard rumors that they don't want to have the uniforms cleaned due to costs. They only need to be cleaned once per season. The band always used to be at the home games in their khaki pants and red band shirts and uniforms on Homecoming. The pep band music playing at the football games is great and I really enjoy it, but I couldn't even hear them at Homecoming.

During the game against Tokay High School, Tokay's band came in wearing full uniforms and they sounded great. I truly enjoyed the music. Thanks, Tokay High band.

I hope that the Lodi High band can get their act together and I know that there have been some issues this year with changing band directors, but the boosters should know the drill. I was involved with the band boosters when my daughter was involved, so I know how it all works, and someone has really dropped the ball on this one.

I want to be proud of our Lodi High band, even though I don't have anyone in it anymore. I am hoping that someone will step up to the plate and take some pride, as they are supposed to be the "pride of Lodi."

Julie Edsell
Acampo

Reader Feedback

jedsell wrote on Oct 29, 2009 10:37 AM:

" Apparently some of you did not read my whole letter wherein I stated that they could at least wear something that matches. But definitely uniforms for homecoming. "

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schoolcuts wrote on Oct 28, 2009 1:42 PM:

" There have been major problems with Lodi High Honor Band, that needed to be focused on, rather than just cleaning the uniforms. Having cuts in the music program, lead to teachers being cut, and the remaining teachers being moved around in the district. Lodi High was left with no band director, well into the school year. The band boosters have many issues of concerns, which I’m sure included the future of the band program. I had active children in Lodi High band council. To make things work, we need the support from everyone. The band boosters can’t do it alone. It takes participation from the parents, students and school district. It’s more than having uniforms cleaned. "

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Lodian wrote on Oct 28, 2009 9:51 AM:

" Ms. Edsell: Nice letter and I agree. I see your point in that these kids should be able to stand tall in uniform and be proud. We all know that this kind of thing makes a difference to them. I wonder if the football team (coaches etc) would be okay with just showing up in their regular clothes to play football at their homecoming game. "

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stella wrote on Oct 28, 2009 9:34 AM:

" Those band uniforms - if they're anything like the ones we had in the 80s - are made of wool and/or polyester. Lodi's football season takes place in the fall - when the weather is still pretty warm in Lodi. These uniforms get sweaty and nasty, and are not comfortable - they are very restrictive! Surely cleaning them just once a year is not enough, and if the budget isn't there to clean them and the band decides to wear regular clothes, more power to them. The band members are musicians first and should be respected as such. "

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