Letter: Band trophies deserve equal treatment at Asheboro High

Last weekend, I attended the 50th reunion of the Asheboro High School class of 1975. The weekend activities included a campus tour except the band room, which was locked. I subsequently received a picture of the uniforms that hang on the wall. 

It is an indisputable fact that the most successful ‘team’ in the entire history of Asheboro High School is the band. In 1975, we earned our 19th consecutive superior rating at adjudication, then called Contest. No other band had nearly the success we had (Lenoir faded ... ). 

And we worked for every superior we earned. Beginning in grade six, we worked. We practiced during school, after school, at night, in driving rain, in bitter cold, and in sweltering heat. We attended section rehearsals and tutoring sessions every week. Most of us also practiced individually, lest we be invited to what our beloved Joe Fields called a “prayer meeting.” I understand that subsequent bands have continued setting lofty goals and achieving them. If what I heard at Friday night’s football game is an accurate indication, the current Comet band will maintain the tradition!

Yet, while the sports trophies are displayed in protective cases for public view, band awards are found only in the band room. Eventually, the unprotected uniforms will disintegrate. 

Tell me why our “trophies” are relegated to a locked, out of the way, location. And then change it!

Janet Lawrence 

AHS Class of 1975