Cobb high school marching bands

Marching band directors for the 16 high schools in the Cobb County School District announced Wednesday they would not be competing in band contests during the fall.

The directors issued a joint announcement (see below) that they also “affirmed our commitment to providing quality marching band activities for the 2020–2021 school year.”

John Palmer, the director of bands at Walton High School, said in a social media message that “in the current climate we do not feel we could safely put the time or financial resources into fielding a competitive show.”

Another factor, is said, was that Bands of America had cancelled its competitions on Tuesday.

The joint letter said that face-to-face rehearsals also would be discontinued for the time being, as the Cobb school district is starting the school year online-only.

“When circumstances allow, our bands will still engage in marching activity in conjunction with the Georgia High School Association football season. Should conditions and opportunities allow, we encourage programs to explore alternative marching arts activities for our students.”

The GSHA voted Monday to push back the start of football season by two weeks, to the first week in September.

Cobb school superintendent Chris Ragsdale said last week that most extracurricular activities would be cancelled to start the school year, but that athletics would continue.

The band directors also said any band activities would be all-virtual in accordance with the Cobb school district’s fine arts and the Georgia Music Educators Association guidance.