The last time the Poplar Bluff High School band had what was considered a large number, the year was 1996 and there were approximately 130 students in the band. If the most recent spring band camp is an indication of the future, that number could be eclipsed next year.
According to PBHS Band Director Stephen Winters, the numbers have been slowly rising for the school band, but he’s even more encouraged at the potential numbers for next year.
“If we get all the band members we’re expecting, we should have about 160 students in band,” Winters explained. “It’s really exciting to think about the potential with that.”
Winters went on to say he wasn’t sure what accounted for reduced band numbers over the years, but he doesn’t believe it’s due to just one factor.
“I know that things slowed down with COVID,” Winters noted. “Everything slowed down then. But I also think the kids today have so many distractions — whether it’s through technology or working to make money. We have lost several members to work.”
Should the band reach the projected number of 160, Winters said that will be the largest number and would rival the band from 1983, which had approximately the same amount.
“Being part of the band here is definitely a commitment,” Winters stated. “In order to be a part of the band, a student has to be involved in all aspects.”
Winters went on to explain the obligation of participating in the band involves marching band, as well as concert band.
“We don’t march in the mornings, and we don’t practice year-round,” Winters said. “We practice marching in the afternoons, and that’s for part of the school year.”
Winters said he feels fortunate, because he has witnessed school bands everywhere shrinking.
“I’ve been teaching at Poplar Bluff since 2002 and, in total, I have almost 30 years of teaching experience,” Winters remarked. “I have seen the changes happen and I have watched as other school districts have renegotiated their band policies to try to accommodate and attract more students. But the numbers continue to drop.”
Winters said he feels other districts having more expensive band fees could also be discouraging to some students who might otherwise be interested in band.
“I have to say that our school district is outstanding,” Winters exclaimed. “Our administration and board have actively worked towards supporting the arts and supporting the band, and making it as easy as possible for students to be involved.”
Although he didn’t disclose a total amount, Winters stated PBHS band fees are very reasonable and lower than the cost of other districts.
“And we’re a pretty large school district, too,” Winters said. “That’s something to consider, because I had a student that transferred here from St. Louis, and when he learned what the band fees are, he laughed because it’s so much less expensive here than what he was familiar with.”
Winters explained one of the ways PBHS is able to offset the band fees is by getting members of the band to raise funds.
“We do everything we can to support the students,” Winters noted. “And the district really does everything possible to help the students.”
Though he won’t know for sure until the beginning of the next school year, Winters will be waiting this summer with anticipation for the potentially massive band that awaits.