Don't mute bands at games

The Montana High School Association hit a note of discord with marching band fans when it recently set limits on the amount of time bands are allowed to play during high school football games.

The association says it’s had complaints over the years about bands playing during offensive play or in the end zone. Now it won’t allow bands to play during “live ball” play or between plays while the same team maintains possession of the football.We just don’t buy the association’s rationale that marching band music is unduly distracting football players. And we sympathize with band members whose efforts are being silenced by this kind of draconian dictate. Like Flathead High Band Director Allen Slater put it: “What is it next, the crowd gets too loud so they ask the crowd to quit yelling?”

Lively band tunes and football games are an American tradition. So is homefield advantage. Let the bands play on.

YOU HAVE TO hand it to the folks at the North Valley Eagles Aerie 4081: They know how to make a splash with philanthrophy.

The Columbia Falls Eagles just handed out $59,000 to nine local organizations.The Eagles’ benevolence will benefit veterans, children, the food bank, search and rescue and cancer support groups, among other charities and nonprofits who will share in the club’s largesse.

One leader of the North Valley Eagles summed up the generosity simply: “We decided it was time to step up to the plate.”For the 140 members of the Eagles aerie, that stepping up was a substantial commitment to the community.

You can add the generosity of the Eagles to that of other local groups such as Soroptimists, Rotary, Lions (and the list goes on) that proves neighbors here still work hard to take care of their neighbors and maintain the fabric of society.