ATTENTION PARENTS AND STUDENTS OF
MARCHING BAND!!

LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN FOR PE CREDIT
Your help needed now!!

The SC Band Directors Association has implemented a legislative campaign to allow students in marching band programs to substitute band participation for the current Physical Education (PE) requirement in secondary schools.  Current law provides credit for PE training over two semesters, and provides no credit for the physical fitness benefits derived from marching band activities.

As you know, block scheduling and other academic pressures have made it difficult for students to participate in band activities that enhance their education, physical, and personal development experiences.

We need your help in a grassroots contact program being conducted by marching band organizations across the state.  To be successful, members of the SC General Assembly need to hear from people back home in their districts.

Read our Position Statement containing the detailed justification for the request.  Please make contact with Senators and House members from your area either by a personal meeting, phone, email, or fax.  You can access lists at House Education Committee or http://www.leginfo.state.sc.us/housecommlst.html#edu and at Senate Education Committee or http://www.leginfo.state.sc.us/senatecommlst.html#edu  or contact your band director who will provide you with this information.

Don’t be bashful, write or call them even if you are not acquainted.  Legislators respond to people back home who have an interest in an issue, and the more the better!

Make sure that you present the following points by written or oral communication:

• Society is now faced with an alarming increase in obesity among adolescents due to, among other factors, the lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle
  
• The level of exercise and physical exertion required for marching band far exceeds that provided by PE class and exceeds the PE Criteria required by the SC Department of Education.  (Tell your own experience about how much exercise and physical training is required to be in marching band!)
  
• Students receive one year of PE training, in most instances marching band benefits last a 4 year secondary education career.
  
• Marching band is now a completely voluntary program due to block scheduling and other academic time pressures.
  
• Marching bands could see dwindling participation in future years resulting in less participation at sporting events, parades, concerts, and other community events.

Provide each legislator with a copy of the Position Statement too!

We can be successful in gaining passage of this bill – but only with your active support.  Please contact your local legislators today!!