FBI investigation cuts competition season short for a nationally ranked high school band in E.TN [View all]
In March, Sequoyah High School's band season was put on hold after a man who volunteer as the band's driver and hauled their equipment was placed under investigation for allegations involving a minor, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
They said Kyle Rowland was a volunteer for the band as a driver, and he hauled their equipment. After he was placed under investigation, the band missed two competitions and will miss a championship over the weekend.
"I have lost sleep. I've not been able to eat lunch because of how nervous I get at school," said Ashyre Sartin, an eighth-grader who plays in the band. "I've always been somewhat of a loner. It's just different not to be able to bring my clarinet to school anymore."
She said playing in the band allowed her to hang out with friends, and without the band program she does not talk to as many people. The band was ranked nationally before its season came to a halt.
"Also, practices have ceased, so there's a lot of missed work, so even if we did get to go to WGI, there's a lot of gray areas and our show wouldn't be as great as it could've been," said Addison Willson, the band's color guard.
Both of the school's band directors have been placed on administrative leave pending the ongoing investigation parents said. The students now attend classes with a substitute teacher in a classroom when they would normally be practicing.
https://www.wbir.com/article/news/crime/sequoyah-high-school-band-season-cut-short/51-672c9d9b-b64c-4751-88d0-e0692720bc4a
There is too much bafflegab and too many confusing statements by authorities for this to make any sense. Why would the loss of a volunteer driver affect the rest of the season? Too many loose ends, and the kids aren't being told anything either.