An Op-Ed article from a Kalamazoo, MI newspaper, great for all to read, but especially for parents of 8th grade band members and those 7th graders who wish to "march up" next year:
http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/03/column_beating_the_drum_for_ma.html
Best wishes,
Dr. Sargent