15 states currently offer physical education (PE) credit for marching band (and other interscholastic athletics and cheerleading).

One of the latest states to jump on the ‘band’ wagon is Ohio. The Buckeye State has just adopted a new Core Curriculum and starting with the class of 2011, students may gain full physical education credit by successfully completing two full seasons of marching band or a varsity level sport. If a student must drop out for an injury or becomes ineligible for any reason, they will not receive the credit.

Is marching band is a rigorous ‘sport’? “Absolutely!” says MENC band mentor Ron Meers. In addition to the warm-up calisthenics, endurance training, and marching for miles, some of these students carry an instrument that weighs over 20 pounds. Push-ups and laps are frequently used to supplement the marching band experience.

Not all states agree that these activities are ‘physical’ enough and some are moving to eliminate the credit. Physical education specialists argue that these activities do not meet the National Standards for Physical Education nor do they allow adequate assessment.

-- Becky Spray, April 3, 2008, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education (www.menc.org)