TIFTON — I would like to recognize a group that is rarely thought of and even more rarely given the praise and thanks they deserve.

It takes approximately 60 band parents volunteering each Friday night of a home game in order to sell programs, chaperone students and work the concession stands. What a wonderful display of support and dedication from the TCHS parents.

I wonder if any other extracurricular activity uses this many volunteers on a regular basis. They are the unsung heroes of our Friday night football games.

I also wonder if the community realizes how much different the Friday night football games would be without all of the student musicians. How many of us listen to the radio, pop in our favorite CD, listen to a movie soundtrack, or the theme music that signifies our television show is starting, and never once think "I wonder who the band geek is that's playing that tune?"

We set the standard for our children. These teenagers are musicians with talents that will last a lifetime.

I am exceedingly proud of Tift County's band students and the dedication, determination and discipline that they possess. I will continue to cheer for the football team and attend the games whether they win or lose because these are OUR children putting their heart into their performance using whatever talent God blessed them with.

How many fans will still be there to support the team if they have another losing season? Parents will: Football parents, cheerleader parents and BAND parents.

Guard your words carefully, Tift County fans, when you start to criticize a bad play, a missed step or a wrong note; there might just be a mom of one of those students listening in and she is just as proud and just as protective of her child as you are of yours.

Band parents may be working behind the scenes but they are still an integral part of what is happening in Brodie Stadium on Friday nights. Remember to cheer for the band when it comes time for the halftime show because these students' parents are in the back selling programs and working concessions to make your football experience an enjoyable one. Go Blue Devils!



Kristy Gibbs

Tifton