From the band
Emporia High School Spartan Pride Band
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
WE, the members of the Emporia High School Spartan Pride Band were shocked by a statement in the Gazette article about the school’s drug policy a few weeks ago. When it was reported that one of our peers stated that, when it comes to drug use, “band members just get away with it,” we were all surprised and offended by this sentiment.
We can assure everyone that the EHS drug policy is taken very seriously within the band and the majority of us do not condone the use of any type of recreational drugs. Our band director, Mr. Bob Haselhuhn, does not in any way, shape, or form let anyone “just get away with” the use of drugs. In fact, Mr. Haselhuhn has made it more than clear to all of his students that if the use of drugs is discovered, it will be reported and there is the possibility of expulsion from the band.
The quote in the paper was taken out of context, and was referring to the fact that band, orchestra and vocal groups fall under different guidelines than do students participating in sports. This does not, however, mean that we disregard the rules. Most band students perform consistently well in school and participate in many other clubs and activities. Studies sponsored by the U.S. Congress have shown that students who are involved in music actually have the lowest levels of current and lifelong use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs, as well as obtain higher test scores.
We hope this letter will clear up the vast misconception of band students at Emporia High School. We are not “druggies” and we do not “get away with” the use of drugs. We are simply a group of students who enjoy playing music and entertaining everyone at sporting events and concerts such as the Seasonal Celebration.
Emporia High School
Spartan Pride Band
kansasdman (anonymous) says...
As a past band parent I can say that for the kids, being a part of the band gives them opportunity to be a member of a wonderful group of kids. They are good kids, are very close, and always hang out together. Often times they were at my house and I never hesitated to let them get together at my place. When they weren't at my place I never worried about my son, I knew he was okay. These are great kids that practice and perform harder than most people ever realize, often with very little recognition except from those that love them. Any parent should be proud to have their child be a member of the Emporia Spartan Pride Band.
February 20, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mythoughts (anonymous) says...
I must have missed the referenced article - When was it? Who wrote it? I know Mr. Haselhuhn loves his kids, and he holds them to a superior standard of performance and conduct. Go Band!
February 20, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
slipandslide (anonymous) says...
heres the link for the story that was mentioned, its unfair the gazette portrayed an entire group in the negative light that they did. the band spends alot of time practicing and are a trustworthy bunch of kids. http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/20...
February 20, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
smith_ron (anonymous) says...
There are students from all activities who use drugs, and there are student who do not. To say one group of students gets away with it while another is targeted by anti-drug policy seems highly unlikely (reference earlier story).
I do commend the Gazette for reporting what was said. I would rather the newspaper tell me the facts and let me decide the issues rather than make the decision for me.
In other words, don't shoot the messenger.
February 20, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mythoughts (anonymous) says...
Thanks for the link - it's a shame that an anonymous person (I hope I'm not being hypocritical here) was quoted as saying that--a broad generalization that could have more repercussions than insulting the music students who follow the rules.
What if a parent were to refuse to allow their child to join band, no matter how much they loved music, just because they'd read that? The "stoned musician" is as much of a stereotype as the "dumb jock," or the "nerd" and it just breeds intolerance. We all can do better.
February 21, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )