School board, district, need to support band program
To the editor:
In the fall of 1949 when the Fort Myers High School moved to its new location, the Elks Club and most town people put a small stipend on the football ticket to support the band program. Then Dr. Browder and the School Board did away with the stipend and charged each band parent $200-$500 for their child to be in the band!
As a consequence, the bands began losing members to the point that six bands cannot play the National Anthem. This is all because of the removal of the stipend. Why would the former superintendent and School Board do away with the instrumental program?
Currently on the School Board, Mrs. Fisher, Mr. Scott and Mr. Armstrong are up for re-election. I will not vote for them and will urge all former band members and the general public not to vote for these three School Board members. I hope the people who believe in a complete music program in the schools will consider running for the School Board in the next election.
Dr. Graham, will you meet with some of the band parents to see what you can do to establish funding for the bands in Lee County? Music is part of the total curriculum and will enhance the arts program in the Lee County School System.
This 90-year-old band director started teaching in Lee County in Fort Myers in 1955.
I am sorry that Browder started the directive.
If you want to know the history of the six bands, call the School Board members.
Robert Brobhecker
Fort Myers