Community support

Not really replying to anyone. Just a few comments on the thread items in general.
A lot of teams are not traveling well. Gas prices are a big factor in attendance at away games this year. At the Pound-Appalachia game I saw an Appalachia family of five go in- probably cost them around $20.00 in gas given their vehicle. A total of at least $45.00 or more for one game -these folks no doubt could afford it- but the cost stresses a lot of people.
The comments made by everyone on the band situation are pretty well on the point. My Mother was a pioneer music and band teacher in the area and it is really distressing to see the retrogression of the music programs. I would agree with Trumpet that band is not cool to a lot of kids- but I think this could be overcome if some decent emphasis was placed on music education. The Coeburn band situation is uncalled for and inexcusable. A failure of responsible action by the county school administration. I have also been told that Dickenson County dropped band due to finances. It is amazing to me that money exists for art, theatre, and some other things but not music. The emphasis being placed on local music tourism should send a message to the local school systems. Indian Dad pointed out the instabilty of the Wise situation and Wise is not alone. Music education has been suffering from not so benign neglect on the part of a lot of administrators.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: yankeefanz4life</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Also whoever made the comment about Burton having football players and cheerleaders in the band, well we always have had that. Is Stewart still the band director there?

This was not always the case when Tipton was Director there weren't any football players marching in the band, I believe this came about when Stewart took over. When I was in school ( I am showing how old I am) you had to make a choice either football, cheerleading, or band...I think it's great they allow the kids to do more than one if they choose. </div></div>

this is correct. when I was in school players did not do band and cheerleaders did not do band.

The furthest back I can remember football players being in the band at Norton would probably be Chad Fore and I think even Sam Jackson, two huge mofo's. Before that was just a blur for me.

Didn't we have one or two? Maybe it was my senior year that we had couple in the band. They may have been freshman. Hell I can't remember, it's been several years and a few 6 packs ago.

I don't recall any my years, but could have possibly your senior year. I can't really see Buster letting anyone do both, I would like to see his face/reaction is someone did ask though.

Lmao Buster was priceless. I can only imagine what he would say.

But yeah there might been 1 or 2 in the band my sr year. Well it seems like there was.

I graduated class of 2001, so my 7th grade year was 96-97 year. If I remember correctly about 75% of the cheerleaders were in the band like lindsey hunnicutt at alto sax was my section leader.

As an example of how much a marching band can mean to a fan base
YouTube - Country Roads

This song just about brings grown men to tears. And even though I'm not a Notre Dame fan, hearing that fight song makes me dream about representing the orange and black once again whether in the band, tennis team, or anything else.

Jim bob willis was in the band while playing football. His senior year was when norton lost to appy in the mud bowl... 2002 maybe?

Whatever happened to Buster?
I mean what is he doing now? Does anyone know?

Last I heard he was teaching on the elementary level? That has been a couple of years back so I don't know if he is still doing that or not. My sisters class reunion is in about two weeks and they are trying to get him to come. I hope he does I would like to see him.