Consideration needs to me made to the fact that the students give up studyhall time and half of their lunch time. Upper classmen never get to eat with their classmates for all 4 years etc. Students have course requirements just like other classes and it is taught by a certified educator whereas sports can be instructed by outside district/ non-certified people. People just need to get over it. Sports and music worlds do coincide here (contrary to popular belief) But there will always be closed-minded, ignorant people. Welcome to East Penn!!!

of coarse they give up their study hall and dont get to eat with their classmates but i know the preschool class doesn't either depending on what class period your in. it's life, get over it. and people don't need to get over it. it is a very interesting good point about credit. AND East Penn is a great school there is no need to be rude. Every school all over the U.S. have this issue. there is no need to call people ignorant. Students and adults can have their own opinions i think you were wrong on who was close-minded. Next time think about being considerate

I don't think that the sports should receive credit for playing sports because people volunteer for sports just as they volunteer for band and chorus. I also think it takes more brain power to play and instrument than it does to run a ball down a field. Sports just take more energy but if your looking for athletic credit that's what gym is for so all the athletes are really are getting some credit for your efforts on the field. As much as I love sports, If you have a problem with not getting as much credit, as the band and chorus people, for playing a sport don't play I'm sure the school will survive somehow. Maybe they could give all that sports money to the musical that gets no school support what so ever. The students, parents, and teachers that run the show have to come up with the funds every year to bring out a great show that never gets sold out because hardly anyone come out to support the show. So really everything is balanced out the sports get the money while the music department gets the academic credit. So everyone basically wins so we should all stop complaining.

No one supports the musical because the theatre department chooses to do shows that no one in the area knows. Those of us who know broadway and musicals may know the shows, but before we build a solid fan base we have absolutely no basis to try to do more modern, artsy shows that are virtually unknown. Students involved in the musicals also act like athletes and other students are below their intelligence, I know, I used to be one. With this attitude, obviously no one will come and support the show. Who wants to go see someone perform that typically acts superior to them? The point brought up by Ms. Robertson is excellent and obviously thought and debate provoking. If you can't handle hearing other people's opinions (not even her own...) don't get upset when people put down your opinions. There's a glorious thing that has been occuring in the educated world since the dawn of times called "debate". Don't insult those who enjoy the thrills of such an activity.

Sport students and chorus / band members put in the same amount of effort ..It's not like you try out to be in chorus and band.. you sing a song at the beginning to be placed. but sports . There are cuts.. and lots of effort put in.. and yes the musical is effort. but you dont have to be in chorus and band to be in it.. so having .75 credit for chorus and band where all u miss is a study hall and some lunch.. is nothing. it should be after school like everything else. u dont see soccer, baseball or whatever holding practices during classes for sectionals..

If a student is passing his or her core content subjects and participates in a sport, why shouldn't they receive some credit? Sure, it is a volunteer program, but aren't they practicing life long skills such as team work, problem solving, etc... as well as participating in activities that add to their health and wellness?

I think the main problem is, is that a lot of people in sports don't know how band and chorus is graded. For chorus, we have 3 sectionals per marking period, I once got an 85 in chorus because I missed a sectional and it hurt my GPA. Would Athletes like to be graded for attending practice? I would certainly think not, because when we miss a sectional (or lesson in Band) we must make it up or our grade takes a huge punch. My second point, as someone else pointed out, we are giving up our much-needed study time. Many students in chorus and band are involved in honors courses. I know some people who take all honors classes are in band/chorus and do the musicals and plays. They manage to keep their grades up...which leaves us to this question...do the athletes not have more time? They certainly do...so if their grades are suffering...what does that say about them?! #3 Sports athletes have to decide whether they want fame and popularity or good grades...I know for a fact that the music and arts departments in general are severly unrecognized in our school. The colorguard has had a wonderful season and besides a brief announcement on Monday mornings...or perhaps our wonderfully talented choral members who have made it to regional chorus? It is strange that there are signs all over school saying "Good Job Wrestlers" or "Way to Go Football team"...I know these are made by student body members who would join the fight in arguing that sports should recieve credit, but then...they are the ones who pay no attention to the music department whatsoever. In fact, the musical this year was a big success, and I hoped that some people took the time to think of this great acheivment for the principle roles, and the cast as a whole. Or were you at a swim meet, or a wrestling match? Clearly, the music and athletic worlds are very different. The music departments and courses do require much more of you as a person as far as responsibilty, effort, sacrifice, etc. Stop your complaining athletes, you recieve recognition for your actions by the popularity and announcements, why can't the band and chorus students have a grade to reward their efforts? Think about that!

I believe that the people involved in this debate are getting a bit too full of themselves.

As a musical student myself, and also a friend to a good number of athletes, I believe that they should be given equal footing if the athletes are willing to participate in sports during school hours, which I have no doubt that they would.

If sports were given as an elective, I know that certain students who are physically inclined would revel in the fact that they could have their nights to themselves while still playing sports, AND getting credit for it. It's really no different than a specialized gym class, just as band and chorus are a specialized class in developing talents.

As a senior who has participated in the marching band, however, I must disagree with one of the comments above. We may act disdainful, but that's only because of the well-shown animosity between athletes and bandies. But I think that should be left to a different post. And just to let you know, we don't hate you guys. Honestly, we don't.

The credit issue is one of a scheduling conflict and nothing more. Band and chorus have traditionally been scheduled during they day, so credit is achieved for participating. If enough athletes can make something happen (which I would be glad to support) the same benefits can apply.

I also agree that there is a difference in perception in our school between the musical and athletic worlds. Our administration at the high school clearly shows an aptitude towards the athletic world, while our highest administration takes pride in our musical world. It is difficult to see some of the people in charge of our high school neglect the arts, as an artistic person, but that is a source of pride for our athletes. And I respect that.

I think that this debate is spawning out of a misunderstanding between the athletic and artistic worlds in our school. Which, at this point in time, I am sad to say I will not see solved. But perhaps the next generations can do something to bring this together.

The marching band goes to football games to support the team, for example. I know that you football players think that we play stupid music, and you'd rather have recordings of famous songs, but we put a lot of work into trying to sound good for you guys. We don't shrug it off as "Ah, they don't care anyway." We know that most of you don't, but we do it anyway. So let's try to appreciate each other a bit more? Because I know that I can get along with most of you guys if you'd just put us in a class together.

The last person to leave a comment... I gravely disagree with you. I, as a musical student, am in only the 20th percentile of my class. My class is led by a group of athletic students. Your debate is thrusted onwards by misunderstanding and stereotype. Just as those people who would cry "Oh, those band kids are all nerds, they don't know even how to talk to people in public!" If you know who I am, you most definitely know that it's not difficult for a nerdy band kid to change who they are.

So I urge you athletes to take a music class, and I want you band kids to try out for sports. Even if it's not your aptitude, maybe we can finally bring this school together, the way it ought to be.

And maybe we'll start to see the football players suggest music to the band. Maybe try their hands at an instrument. Maybe a band kid will see that he can throw a football better than he had hoped.

I guess I'm really off topic here. But this whole debate is pointless and stupid anyway. I mean, I covered it in one sentence.

The most important point is, let's stop the pointless bickering and finally act like a school together. Agreed?

i agree.
and i think things are fine the way they are.
but i must draw my attention to comment #7.


sure, band and chorus students give up their study hall or lunch. but athletes give up at least 2 hours after school per day. no one i know studies during lunch. and athletes certainly DO NOT have more time. Fall sports begin practice at the end of summer and practices can be twice a day, for three hours each. And we all know that's a lot of time to miss for summer work.


I wasn't aware it was still the 1950s. Band/chorus doesn't make you smarter. Sports don't make you popular.


That's funny, all I everrr seem to hear is how well band/chorus or the musical is doing! I bet athletes know a lot more about you then you think.


Basically, you have no respect for athletes. I am an ex-band and ex-chorus member and an athlete, so let me tel you: Athletes have equal responsibilities and effort as band/chorus members, and more sacrafice. A LOT more sacrafice. I, for one, have to sacrafice work time, study time, and social time. Band and chorus members do not have any time to sacrafice outside of school.

Stop your complaining athletes, you recieve recognition for your actions by the popularity and announcements, why can't the band and chorus students have a grade to reward their efforts? Think about that!

— Anonymous

I'm thinking about it....and it makes no sense!