Hi, I am a new member of the Mt. Lebanon Marching Band parents. I am also an active PTA & community member. I am sending this out so that you will understand that WE BAND FAMILIES SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY THE PAY-TO-PLAY FEE that the school district has instituted to meet their budget shortfall! Here is why: MARCHING BAND IS A REQUIRED PART OF THE HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM ~ NOT AN ELECTED SPORT OR OTHER PARTICIPATION ACTIVITY. Our children who want to continue playing their instrument and have to take Concert Band to do so, are also REQUIRED to take Marching Band ~ if it were an elective for marching band, the district might not have a marching band ~ hence the requirement. If it were an elected activity I would pay it, but as it is we already have to fund-raise to make money for the Band Builders trips, etc! We should NOT have to pay $40 to the district for our kids to be in a curriculum-based activity! If you agree, please sign this petition & pass it onto other band friends. This should not be taken by any of us. I am not going to pay it and you shouldn't either!