For the past 38 years, the Sahuaro marching band has attended “Band Day,” a the competition held by the U of A. Unfortunately, this year was different.

Band Day had been a source of excitement for our marching band, as it made them feel big and special to perform on our university’s field. Over 30 teams participated in the tournament to broadcast their skills in front of friends, family, and other competitors. However, due to new rules, only 30 bands were accepted this year and the tryouts were held before our band could find out the rules.

Band Day was a lot of excitement for marching band kids because they felt special or “big” actually being on our state’s field, our teams field. More than 30 bands would go to the tournament and show off their band skills in front of their family and in front of other bands. Due to the new rules, only 30 bands are accepted this year and tryouts were held before anyone really knew, and when we finally did find out the rules, the 30 spots were taken on August 24th.

“I just feel that it isn’t quite fair to a lot of bands because it seems like several directors weren’t informed of a policy change that made it so we can’t go this year,” said, Kiara Garrett, the section leader for the drums, a girl who has been at Sahuaro for all three Band Days. Kiara is very talented and her excitement for Band Day was unbelievable; it is incredibly disappointing that for her last year, she won’t experience it again.

The band is utterly disappointed with the whole subject and are hoping they can figure something out.