Nixa Band’s Uniforms Altered to Cover Zodiac Design

Parents of students in the Nixa High School band have taken on the task of altering the show uniforms following concerns over the new design that featured a zodiac wheel. Unveiled on August 17, the show uniform tops showcased the 12 signs of the zodiac, including Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.

Craig Finger, the director of bands, addressed the issue in an email to parents on August 19, acknowledging that some individuals had raised questions about the constellation references within the zodiac design. Finger explained that during the design process, the constellations were innocently perceived as just that – constellations, with no deeper meaning attached.

Each year, the Nixa High School band selects a theme for their performances, and this year’s theme revolves around stars, constellations, and planets. After parental concerns about the zodiac design were brought to light, Zac Rantz, the chief communication officer for Nixa Public Schools, confirmed that the district and band program made the decision to cover the zodiac wheel on the show uniforms.

To rectify the situation, nearly $2,000 worth of fabric was purchased to create overlays for the 200 show uniforms, which differ from the standard band attire. Parents have generously volunteered their time to assist with making the necessary adjustments to the uniforms.

Brandon Clark, the activities director, emphasized that the intention is never to compromise students’ faith or beliefs through their performance attire. Once the issue with the uniforms was understood, a plan was promptly developed to address the concerns and refocus attention on the students’ performances.

In a statement provided to the media, Finger expressed gratitude for the various perspectives shared on the matter. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the band can concentrate on their performance without any distractions, while still maintaining the show’s thematic elements.

Finger encouraged students to remain focused on the music, visuals, and routines, assuring them that the necessary modifications to the uniforms would not detract from the overall theme of the show. The band’s priority remains on delivering a stellar performance, showcasing their musical talents, flag-spinning skills, and marching prowess.