OMAHA, NE — In another blow to high school activities in Nebraska due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association announced it was canceling this year's marching band contest this fall.
The association also said it was canceling all other association-sponsored events this year.
The marching band contest drew dozens of high school marching bands from across the state.
The association made the announcement in the below letter posted on its website:
Dear NSBA Membership,
After much discussion and research, the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association Executive Board has come to the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 State Marching Contest / Festival as well as our support of NSBA Sanctioned Contests. Many factors were taken into consideration, including the results from the survey, recent research studies, however, the safety of our students, directors, workers, adjudicators, vendors, and spectators were of the utmost importance.
Please know that this decision by NSBA, should not prohibit a band from marching band, or putting on a show. The education and experiences that we all provide our students are still important. These decisions, however, should be made with school administrators as to the best way to proceed with their marching season and how to best serve their students. There will be a forthcoming document from the Nebraska Department of Education helping to provide some guidance to those discussions.
The motto of NSBA is “Better Bands for Nebraska”. As long as students are making music together, we are succeeding in that motto. NSBA will continue to work to find opportunities that will support your endeavors at your school. As new information becomes available, we will be sure to share that information with all of you.
Thank you for your understanding and best wishes,
Michael Schlake NSBA Marching Chair
Nathan LeFeber NSBA President