San Jose’s Independence High Halts Marching Band for School Year

The marching band program at Independence High School in San Jose—known as the 76th Cavalry—has been abruptly shut down for the remainder of the school year just weeks before a scheduled regional competition, according to NBC Bay Area.

In a letter sent to families, the school’s principal wrote that administrators made the decision to halt the band program’s activities for the rest of the academic year after an assessment conducted over the preceding four days.

“We are using this time to reflect, learn as an educational community, and thoughtfully establish the appropriate structures, leadership, and supports necessary to build a strong, consistent, and sustainable program in the years ahead,” the principal’s letter stated.

Booster Parents Offer Accredited Instructors and Funding to Save Season

Dennis Morrow, a parent in the marching band’s booster club, told NBC Bay Area that the letter provided no specific explanation for the shutdown, though he noted it followed a temporary band director and an assistant stepping down the previous week. Morrow also noted that the booster club had been removed as the primary funding source for the band last year without explanation.

“There has been a lot of parents that have been very upset, but more importantly, the kids have been very upset,” Morrow said. “I think that’s the thing that hurts me the most – seeing these kids being so upset after working so hard over this year and many years for this program.”

Morrow said the boosters have offered both financial resources and accredited teachers willing to step in immediately to keep the season going, but had not yet received a response from school administration.