Three cheers for the bandies Sarah! It is always easier to glamourize the athleets, but imaging going to a single sporting event sans music! I too was a band geek in both H.S. and at Purdue, and by most accounts, I have turned out just fine. Looking forward to listening in today for the discussion with author Kristen Laine as she discussed her new marching band book American Dream.

Sent by Jim Sharvin | 2:15 PM ET | 08-06-2007

I played in my HS marching band for three years- in particular, I played the clarinet thought I briefly switched to the mellophone for a change of pace. What was funny about it is that I didn't actually PLAY the mellophone. I held it and marched around. There were over 400 of us in the band and thank goodness there were other talented people around me to pick up my slack. It was a wonderful experience. Band camp was an absolute blast and the experience of nailing a show and getting a standing ovation was exhilarating.

Sent by Leanna | 3:15 PM ET | 08-06-2007

I played oboe at Scotlandville Magnet High School in Baton Rouge. My fondest wish was to march in a band, impossible for two reasons: oboes don't march and we had no varsity football team. However, we were asked by the arts and humanities council to form a marching band for an arts festival so I took up the flute briefly to participate. Those few weeks, culminating in our band marching in shorts and matching t-shirts down North Boulevard in downtown Baton Rouge were some of the best of my entire high school life. Even now the memory of all of us, black and white, rich and poor, marching together, brings a lump to my throat. Let me also say for the record that our drummers ROCKED!

Sent by Allyson Cooper | 3:17 PM ET | 08-06-2007

I have to admit I enjoy watching a band from an African-American school. They don't do just the music but put on a show. Growing up as a young boy in a predominantly White town, my eyes would always grow wide when a visiting African-American school's band came to our town. They rock!!! (even back in the 70s)

Sent by William | 3:17 PM ET | 08-06-2007

At the high school my daughter attended 2003-2006, the marching band (110 strong) consisted of the some of the brightest and most musically promising students at the school. She will always look back on her marching band years as her happiest childhood memories. As a Booster and chaperone for four years, I have many cherished memories of watching BOA competitions at the Dome in Indianapolis.

Sent by Pam Schaffner | 3:21 PM ET | 08-06-2007

I am a band Mom now. I am so thankful for marching band. I am still close to all my fellow band mates. Band kids are just different. I am glad my son marches. I know he isn't thrilled about it now but someday will be glad he did it.

Sent by Sherran Bilderback | 3:21 PM ET | 08-06-2007

There are so few experiences children and teenagers get to have that teach them group cooperation and interdependence like the arts -- band, choir, drama. If one person fails, everyone suffers, and this teaches invaluable experience for real life that is hard to learn in any other classroom setting. It's a shame to see the arts being cut and underfunded, but at the same time it's a joy to see good programs like marching bands thrive where they can.

Sent by Emily Butler | 3:25 PM ET | 08-06-2007

The parents of the marching band members are expected to participate fully in the experience as well, helping with uniforms,attending the games, passing out water, traveling with the band, fundraising...The list is endless. As the parent of one former and one current band member I elected not to be so active and can't help but feel that I am viewed as a nonsupportive parent. If I do attend a game, I am not wearing my band parent t-shirt and feel like an outcast.

Sent by margaret norem | 3:30 PM ET | 08-06-2007

I think the power of marching band is the way it teaches personal responsibility. If a band member misses a practice or game, there is a big hole in the formation where she should be. Knowing that without even one member the band and the show look less impressive, I find that band members are particularly dedicated to working hard at each practice and show.

Sent by Jenny B in Tucson AZ | 3:38 PM ET | 08-06-2007

I recently got an email from a classmate of over 20 years ago with the subject line band geek.

I personally believe the goal of any band program should be turning out students who can play with community orchestras and bands.

I would love to see a piece on the adult band movement.

Sent by Sharon Floyd | 3:48 PM ET | 08-06-2007

I am so sad that I didn't get on line before your discussion was over. I had 2 grandchildren in Concord Marching Band in 2004. This is my Grandson's last year. I was at the RCA Dome for the state finals. It is so exciting!!

Sent by Anne Richards | 3:54 PM ET | 08-06-2007

Marching band provides a terrific experience for young high school muscians but I am concerned about how the changes over the years have affected the musical education of the students involved. When I wa in high school during the early 1950's the marching band would prepare a new drill with new music for each home game. This provided exposure to a much wider range of music thanthe kids today experience. Marching bands of today generally work up jut one routine with one set of music and work on it to perfection in order to be able to compete in the various band competitions held in each state. This not only limits a student's exposure to a wide breath of music, but as one expressed to me, "is really boring". I fully appreciate the importance of "winning" to a typical high school, but mourn the loss to the students involved.

Sent by J. Evans Jennings Jr. | 3:55 PM ET | 08-06-2007

Sorry, but I don't think marching band qualifies as a musical experience. Marching to Samuel Barber's music? What does that say? Sorry, the music just wasn't good enough to simply perform, so we had to throw in some dancing and costumes. Marching band dumbs down the humanity and artistic force of music to an easily digestible visual spectacle. Then again, I guess it's perfect for a country like ours.

Sent by geoff | 4:00 PM ET | 08-06-2007

From Kristen Laine's interview today on Talk of the Nation, the book sounds like it is going to be great for anyone who has been a band member and/or band parent.

My son is a 'Super Senior' this year, a fifth year marching band member. He also played football and he's still not sure which is more physically challenging. The good thing with band is that no one is trying to knock him down!

To the caller who said that he was given a Sousaphone but never played it, shame on him! If he were given lemons, he would have probably griped about it instead of making lemonade. My son is one of four Sousaphone players this year. The band has 50 some members, they are winning in the preliminary competitions against bands with over 100 members and you can hear the Sousaphones and all low brass over cheering crowds. Think about it! If your band is lousy (like the caller said his was), practice. Our band works hard, practices long hours and is fabulous!

Go CHS Blue Regiment and all Indiana High School bands! Indiana Rules!

Sent by Beth | 4:12 PM ET | 08-06-2007

First, a confession: I had the great pleasure of joining Kristen Laine during her six months with the Concord marching band in 2004 -- our family moved out from New Hampshire while she did the research on the book and I watched the kids... -- and I have to say: this was a band and music unlike anything I'd seen or heard back in New England. Whatever your preconceptions about the quality of the musicianship or the quality of the musical experience in a marching band, this book may be a huge surprise to you. You can catch some snippets of the 2004 show on the book's web site, americanbandbook.com -- even just that taste gives the flavor. I can't believe someone hadn't already written seriously about this American subculture... I think it's going to turn some heads!

Sent by Jim Collins | 5:04 PM ET | 08-06-2007

I posted earlier and after reading Geoff's comment, I realized that I had commented on the physical challenge of marching band but not the musical challenges our students face. Each year, our talented director finds music that is even more challenging than the year before and our kids - kids that are 12, 13 and up - pefect it. They practice hard and they achieve the high standards set for them.

Through high school maching band, my son has been exposed to composers such as Dave Brubeck, David Holsinger and Bill Reddie. He has been given an appreciation for jazz through marching band (and who can play or listen to jazz and sit still? You have to move!) just as he has been exposed to the great classic composers in concert band. I have found him listening to NPR station, WMUB's Mama Jazz, wanting to hear more. MY, how could I ever complain about the benefits of marching band!

I wish Geoff could see our wonderful Indiana high school bands and like several callers to the program from many other states and commenters to this site said, high school marching band gives our children so much in addition to musical challenges.

I guess I was born in the right country because there's nothing like high school marching bands, unless it's high school concert bands, or high school jazz bands.

Sent by Beth | 5:16 PM ET | 08-06-2007

I was in my high school band from 1979-1982. We were a drum corps style marching band, which is a pretty hardcore precision style of marching. We had two weeks of 12-hour band camp during the summer, long practices everyday after school, and competitions every weekend in the Fall. Not only did I learn to push my limits in band (I never thought I could/would be able to twirl a rifle) and strive for excellence, but I also made lasting friendships that have endured to this day. In some ways I suppose what we went through together could be compared to military campaigns, sans the bloodshed. The kind of focus we had was amazing.

In April we had a band reunion that covered the years 1979-1986, years in which a very unique and charismatic individual was the high school band director. The turnout for the reunion was very high due to loyalty to this individual (he and his wife also attended) and the bonds of shared experience. Many people commented that they did not care much about their high school class reunions, but that band unions were special and could nto be missed. We'd been through a lot together, and everyone wanted to keep the connection going. We had several moments of silence for former band members no longer living and it really did feel like missing a family member.

As a footnote...even though I did not play a musical instrument in the band I learned a lot about music and music appreciation by being in the band. That knowledge has stayed with me all these years and has informed some of the types of music I listen to today.

Sent by teapot | 5:47 PM ET | 08-06-2007

I just wanted to note on a few of the previous comments about marching bands not really being a musical experienve:

I agree. I agree if you're talking about DCI, or any band that takes music and throws a costume on it with flashy dancers and fake rifles and big sets. Thats why there are musicals (which I love by the way).

I think, though, if you are in the right band at the right time, you can have quite an experience. For example, I was a member of the Leon High School Marching Redcoats, a band with a tradition of excellence. A band with red and white West Point uniforms and no dancers or flag twirlers and the occasional majorette. Just a band. A militaristic band. Playing classical, jazz, and every once in a while some great hits. One year, our band played 3 movements by Shostakovich while a band across town played a Tribute to Michael Jackson. Ha, no. After 57 consecutive years of superior ratings, the Leon Band has learned to ignore the flash and glamour. It is simply beautiful music and a whole lot of wonderful tradition.

To all you people who think marching band is a waste of time, tell that to the kids who started band camp today in Tallahassee, FL this morning at 8am. They'll be done playing around 9pm. Their camp will be done next Friday after enduring 2 weeks of 100 degree heat and humidity. They'll also be in rehearsals twice a week, maybe three times, until November. And guess what? They'll be there next August year after year until the're too old to play, too old to help out, and too old to get up. Half of them will continue on with music, whether it's teaching, performing in a symphony, or creating the next big hit to land in your IPod. Music is not a waste of time.

Good luck Redcoats! This year is 58! Don't forget your pride, compassion and your tradition of excellence!

Sent by Alma | 7:12 PM ET | 08-06-2007

I am the father of three daughters who all were in marching band.It was a great experience for them and their parents. The struggles formed character and the joys remain memorable. My oldest was in a band in western NY, and the thrill of the year was the championships at the Syracuse Dome. Her two sisters joined the band when we were relocated to NJ, and the band experience helped us all become a part of the new community. Band taught all of us leadership and teamwork. We also have a large collection of band T-shirts.

Sent by Dave S | 7:52 AM ET | 08-07-2007

To the person above who says a band or a drum corps with a "show" is not really music, I beg to differ. Just because there is a "show" does not mean the standard of musicianship and musicality is not extremely high. In fact it's just the opposite. Most of these types of bands compete weekly and are judged on musicianship and musicality in addition to other elements, such as marching, colorguard, drum line, visual presentation, etc. If you don't like that type of show or a non-classical style of music, so be it. Why does good music equal classical-only?

I saw a DCI West show last weekend, and was astounded at the caliber of performing and playing. However, I admit I don't like the fact that almost all the colorguards do elaborate dance pieces. I think that trend is tiresome and boring. Someone would probably debate me on that!

Sent by teapot | 7:03 PM ET | 08-07-2007

The challenge was marching while playing a brass instrument on a Friday night in the subzero late fall of the midwest before global warming, with braces. The excitement always dulled the pain! Some of my best memories from marching band in northwest Ohio in the early 70's were from our treks to watch the U. of Michigan marching band practice. The exact precision of their high-stepping moves never failed to cause shivers. Thirty-five years later, I'm still playing, although our community band doesn't march.

Sent by David Pearse | 11:08 PM ET | 08-07-2007

I left a comment earlier and got caught up on defending my position on marching bands and forgot to share a fun memory!

I was part of the drumline while in high school and when I was a member, there were a few clowns on the line. One day at rehearsal, one of the snare players put a darth vader helmet on backwards along with his snare and marched almost the whole show facing the other way until our director stopped us to ask why the snares sounded so dirty. He took one look at the snare's feet facing the wrong way and yelled at him but suddenly broke into laughter. It was one of those times where you just needed a break on the field and you could sit back and relax a minute. We were lucky enough to have a lot of moments like that from those crazy snare players. Those moments made those day rehearsals tolerable!

Sent by Alma Bertolaet | 12:40 AM ET | 08-09-2007

In high school(70's) my brothers were all football players(state) and at half time after two heart stopping quarters I took a break and went to the concessions. I could not even tell you what kind of band we had. I look in my yearbook and see those kids and say ..oh yeah, well I didn't know he was drum major. I didn't know she played the flute etc. Those same kids were always a lot of fun and good kids.I didn't hang out with them (they were not around probably because they were working so hard)I hung out with the jocks because of my brothers. Now 30 years later the band kids are all successful adults. As are my brothers. But the odd thing is I have two sons and guess what, one is our marching band's Drum Major and the other just starting marching with him as an eighth grader. Not football players. I see it all from a different perspective. It is interesting and I certainly had no idea the hard work and dedication. It is truly a mentally and physically challenging "sport". I'm not sure what to catagorize such a demanding activity.I love watching them (in this August heat)with their initial awkward steps, and will follow them until their very last steps this year. The transformation, as I have learned, will be as a beautiful butterfly's.I told my senior on the first day of his last high school year..savor it ALL. There is an electricity in the air I can't explain.I know...it's marching season! Red Devils you rock!! (So do you fantastic Boosters)

Sent by Ryan and Mitch's Mom(that's what my booster shirt says | 10:24 PM ET | 08-09-2007

I am currently in the Jeffersonville High school marching band, GO DEVILS!!, as a sophomore mellophone player. We are another band from indiana. I can honestly say this: in indiana, people normally go to see the band at the football games, instead of going to see the game and having the band as just a sideshow attraction. I just love marching season, and am glad to be able to share it with 130 of my best friends! Go JEFF!!!

Sent by Cam | 9:11 AM ET | 08-11-2007

My experience in the middle and late late 1960's as a marcher in junior and senior high and then senior year drum major in the Pine Bluff, Arkansas High School band has influenced my life in so many positive ways and I am delighted that both our children had marching band experiences in their teens. I find it interesting that in this state the drum and bugle corps-style of showmanship and sound has so heavily influenced the marching band competition shows. Every week the bands repeat the week's previous show at halftime--as preparation for their marching competitions through the fall. That's like a figure skater who repeats a competition routine for a full year. By contrast, my marching band played new music every week and our director designed and taught us to march a different halftime show. It was much LESS competitive with other bands, certainly--but also extremely interesting for the marchers and for the halftime crowd--we played a variety of music. I am interested if someone could respond and say if this way of marching is now entirely passe. Does every band do the same show and music all season?

Sent by Charles Ragland | 2:26 PM ET | 08-11-2007

My nephew was so sorry he did not go the band route in high school,so sorry that he volunteered his time to help the band set up and haul equipment to the field just to be with the band.

Sent by LeeAnn H. | 8:57 PM ET | 08-11-2007

My son is a high school marching band student. He is starting his senior year. Twice he has been struck by Bell's Palsy and been unable to play his trumpet while in the band. Even though he has suffered with this medical condition, being a part of the band is what he has benefited from for life. The fact that he has been unable to play his trumpet is secondary to the experience of being a part of band itself his entire 4 yrs of high school. I applaud his instructors for being so understanding of Blake's inability to play his instrument. I know my son will be forever grateful to them and always remember the experience, knowing it was a great one for him,even though he could not play early on, for a very long time, followed by another case of BP that was shorter-lived. This is a child that picked up a bugle at age 4 and made a musical sound right off.Thanks again, to his band instructors who have been so wonderful and kept Blake a part of the band experience, despite his illnesses.

Sent by LeeAnn Hazelrigg | 9:10 PM ET | 08-11-2007

As a result of playing in the marching band 4 yrs in high school,my son developed friendships with peers he will never forget and hopefully have them as lifelong friends. That is just another advantage of having your child participate in such a beneficial extracurricular activity for their high school career. The added benefit is nice families meeting and spending time with other nice families! We are looking forward to my son's last year as a senior in the band. We will miss his great instructors who have been very devoted to our high school marching band success and the experience our children have had that they will remember for a lifetime.

Sent by Rhonda Martin | 9:28 PM ET | 08-11-2007

I grew up in central Ohio in the early to mid 70's in a small town called Lexington. The H.S. had about 1,000 students from 9-12th grades. The band was so good that we were in compitition neary every weekend in the fall and competing in the open/unlimited class. Almost always left with the big trophy as well as several smaller ones. We put about 160 people on the field. The upperclassmen were the ones to fear if you screwed up a performance as well as the director. The whole experience gave me a goal of musical excellence that I still aim for today (I still play). It's too bad that so many schools have cut back the music programs in the attempt to save money.
I will always have fond memories of my experiences with the band.

Sent by Mark | 9:48 AM ET | 08-14-2007

I'm so sorry I missed the original broadcast of this interview; I absolutely would have called in to comment. As a dyed-in-the-wool band geek who performed with the Concord Marching Minutemen from 1979 to 1983, I am thrilled about Kristen's book. (My copy is due from Amazon any day now.) Band -- not just marching band, but symphonic/concert as well -- provides a learning experience like no other, involving the encouragement of cultural literacy, developing a discriminating musical ear, mathematics, individual effort, and teamwork as you collectively work toward the goal of perfection and artistry. In my 13 years of band, from 5th grade through 5 years at Indiana University, I observed that band members were generally highly disciplined, dedicated, and committed to excellence, qualities that spill over into all areas of life.

I would like to take issue with two comments made during the interview. First, Kristen said Max Jones walked into a program that had a 'rote'style of learning. Not true -- not by a long shot. The previous director, Joseph M. Beickman, who had died of leukemia when Jones was hired, built a dynasty of incredibly high quality learning and musicianship. When he stepped onto the podium, he managed to draw music from us that transcended the notes on the paper. Moreover, our repertoire was solid, ranging from Dvorak to Shostakovich to Orff to pop music like Neil Diamond. Mr. Beickman also pushed us to develop a well-polished and balanced sound, too, not just your average oom-pah high school sound.

This speaks to the other comment, made by Grant, who teaches college band in the Pacific Northwest. I don't know about other high schools, but at Concord, we in the Symphony Band were introduced to the vast pantheon of composers, including Renaissance music, Baroque masters (I still have Bach's In Dulci Jubilo memorized!), Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and other 19th-c. giants, and on into the 20th c., with Bartok and Gershwin, besides popular fare for the annual Christmas Spectacular concert.

I now live in Washington State, and at our high school, the music program suffers from neglect and apathy and a far-too-small budget. The band doesn't even march field shows, but simply does parades; at football games, they stand still and play in block formation. In fact, I've yet to talk to anyone in this region who understands what I mean when I talk about the band experience. What a shame. I miss the passion & drive of Midwest bands. Even so, as my daughter enters high school this fall and plays clarinet in the band, I will be right there, supporting the kids as so many band parents supported me for so many years.

Thank you, Kristen, for writing this book. Marching band is a rich American tradition that deserves to be documented and appreciated. (Note to Neal: Unlike New England towns, it is Con-CORD, not 'conquered.';)

Sent by Nancy | 8:24 PM ET | 08-18-2007

I am a graduate of the Concord Music program and can't express how extremelly proud I am to have had such an amazing experience. Jones, Spradling, Peterson, Golden, and Duffy teach much more than how to play an instrument; they teach you how to succeed as a human being. I am a stronger person because of marching band, plain and simple.

Marching at Concord enforces a level of discipline which far surpasses any other high school extracuricular. To say that marching band is simple-minded or lacking is simply ignorant and ill-informed. You would be hard pressed to find any group of high school students as dedicated to a cause as the Marching Minutemen.

And yes, my friends, it is ConCORD. That's how we do it here in the mid-west.

Sent by Michelle | 2:37 AM ET | 10-11-2007