Back in 1974 when I was leaving 8th grade and going to 9th grade there was an unwrittent policy that stated that if I wanted to be in my high school freshman band. I had to take from Mr. Smith. I had been taking lessons from Mr. Howard for the last two years and I was the only kid in my grade level from my school that made region both years.

During the summertime the band director had one of the high school moms call my mom to let her know that I had to switch clarinet teachers if I wanted to be in Freshman band. I was happy with my previous teacher who had left the district for greener pastures amd he would have been within driving distance for me to continue. Not wanting to be in the bottom band I had to suck it up and change teachers. For me if I had not changed I probably would have quit. If that happened I would have been a retired band director at present. My clarinet was my life so , I had to make the change. I do not regret it. I was able to go farther than I had with the previous teacher.

It is sad that parents have to resort to lawsuits to get what they want. Private lessons are very important. From the schools that I know of that have a program their band is so much better than the schools that do not have a program.

I suppose it is hard to say if this goes through as a lawsuit and Mr School board member puts pressue on your to drop numero 4 will that impact your lesson program. Will that cause kids to drop out of it? Also, taking lessons for some schools goes towards the point system to get a letter jacket. If the requirement has been in place since day 1 of her high school career I would leave it in place.

I would think that if the administration supports you there should not be any issues with them putting pressure on you. Good Luck!