We are a small 2A. The high school band currently has a whopping 36 members! The principal is in favor of utilizing 8th graders next year. For those of you who have gone through this transistion, how did you implement the change?

8th graders here are required to take band. My concern is that if they make band optional for that grade, it may wind up gutting the current 7th grade class (who are a really great group, both playing and attitude).

I am open to suggestions, tales of experiences, caveats...etc.

Thank you!