Parents of Plano junior varsity band and drill team members are pushing back against changes this year that can push those band and drill team performances out of their normal halftime slot and instead happen after the football games are already over.

In a letter dated Aug. 24, parents and students were informed that the UIL District Executive Committee (DEC) changed to a new Conference 6A alignment and that changes would come to JV halftimes that, in the past, were treated much the same as varsity games.

“This historical practice was a privilege, as previous DEC’s have allowed us to do so, while extending the game significantly,” Phillip Morgan, Ed.D., Director of Fine Arts said in the letter. “This practice has impacted referee retention, student athletes’ physical consistency, and has delayed the completion of scheduled non-varsity UIL contests in football much longer than other alignment districts outside of Plano ISD. In the DEC implementation, our bands and drill teams will still perform, but will be amending their typical timeslots.”

The letter stated that 9th Grade and JV games in which a Plano ISD team plays another Plano ISD team – that the home band and drill team would perform a 14-minute maximum halftime and the visitor band and drill team would perform a 14-minute set after the game ended. At 9th Grade and JV games where a Plano ISD team plays an external ISD team – both bands and drill teams would perform at the conclusion of the game for a maximum time of 28 minutes. Also, “all 9-10 band and drill teams will be provided the opportunity to perform at halftime of at least one (1) of their games, regardless of opponent (PISD or External ISD) in order to ensure equity for all programs.”

“Texas football, you know, without a halftime performance, it’s just a scrimmage,” said Plano ISD parent Brian Blumenthal, who was among more than 3,000 parents and students who signed a petition to have the DEC reconsider.

“Because I think it’s just more for the morale of the kids. I don’t want the kids to feel like [they are] an afterthought, because if the parents are taking it this hard, can you imagine the kids how they’re feeling about it?” added PISD parent Jennifer Tapp.

In a follow up letter dated Aug. 31, the Plano ISD Director of Fine Arts responded, clarifying that the state UIL office did not make this local UIL DEC decision. 

“The decision was made by the District 7-6A DEC, which has the authority to establish these local scheduling parameters.” 

When both 9-10 high schools perform, he wrote, “halftime has historically been approximately 28 minutes or longer, exceeding the 20-minute UIL regulation for sub-varsity performances.”

Morgan offered updated performance opportunities including an option for a 10-minute pregame performance window for bands while drill teams can utilize the halftime slot with the 8-minute limitation. Schools can also choose the 10-minute pregame performance window for both the band and drill team together or choose the post-game performance option.

“We recognize that changes to longstanding traditions and routines can be challenging. We ask that we continue to encourage and celebrate our students as they perform, compete, and represent their schools,” Morgan wrote.

“It’s like buying a ticket to a venue, buying a ticket to a show, and the audience isn’t going to be there,” said Blumenthal who also voiced concern about the late nights the drill team and band members will face before heading back to school the next day. 

JV games are usually on Wednesday or Thursday nights.

“But to give the kids the field time during halftime, where all the hoopla and all the the whole game is happening, you know, it’s just it’s just part of being part of the experience, part of being the of the whole evening and not just, ‘OK, go on the field at the end,'” Tapp said.

“We’re trying to work within all of the parameters and maximizing how do we make this work for our kids, because it’s important,” Plano ISD Superintendent Theresa Williams said, reiterating that the halftime decision is not one that the Plano ISD Board of Trustees controls.

“The fine arts program is here to stay and really should get better highlights,” added Blumenthal, who says he and other parents will continue to advocate for better time slots for their kids.