COMMUNITY COMMENTARY -- Rob Henthorn

This letter is in response to the recent controversy regarding the use

of the Confederate flag within Newport Harbor High School’s band

performance at the football game against Westchester High School on Nov.

9 (Newport Harbor High apologies for halftime show,” Thursday).

As with many other areas in education, band field shows must be

conceived and planned out well before the school year is in session since

they begin rehearsals in late August. Our chosen theme this year is “A

Requiem for Soldiers: A Nation Divided Stands United” and is designed

around the Civil War.

As my drill designer and I thought through the music, the movement and

the props that were to be used, we agreed that anything represented from

one side of that conflict must be equally represented on the other.

It was agreed that the flag representing the Union and the flag

representing the Confederacy would be the smallest of the sets, exactly

the same size, and that they would be set the furthest out from the

center focal point (each at opposing 20-yard lines), that the “cappies”

-- the pillbox caps worn by the soldiers (one blue, one gray) -- would

be set on opposing 35-yard lines, and that the largest of the sets

(13-by-22-foot) would be in the center of the field.

At no time was there any thought to do anything other than show a

balanced view of a terrible time in our history. Neither “side” of the

conflict is given any preeminence, nor is either side vilified for their

particular beliefs within that struggle.

Most of the people that I have spoken with regarding our show and its

props since the show understood the story within the show. Had the final

prop worked correctly, all would have seen two soldiers, one Confederate

and one Union, standing arm in arm in front of the American flag, showing

one nation united through conflict and struggle, even if the struggle is

with ourselves.

The Sailor Marching Regiment is very proud of the show that they are

performing this year. For the first time in their history, they have

qualified for the Tournament of Champions, a one-day “playoff” that

decides the top bands in Southern California. When performing this show,

we have been very gratified by the warm response of the crowd and the

congratulations from firefighters, policemen and servicemen for a show

well done (props and all) by our kids.

As to the school communities of Westchester and Newport Harbor high

schools, I offer my most sincere and humble apology if they were offended

by this prop. Had I, for any reason, felt that they would have been

offended by its use, we would have approached the evening in a different

manner.

I am saddened by these events and wish all to know that neither this

school, the band nor its director would ever do anything to intentionally

or blatantly offend the members of another school, race, creed or

religion.

Again to all who were offended, I extend my deepest apologies.

* Rob Henthorn is the Newport Harbor High School music director.