Memphis, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The Memphis Central High School marching band creatively protested a ban from performing at home games instituted by Brighton High’s Principal. During a football game, they used kazoos to support their team, showcasing adaptability and school spirit. Principal Crowson’s decision was met with criticism from Central High’s band director, and discussions about future performances are underway following the game, which Central High won against Brighton High.
Memphis – The Memphis Central High School marching band faced a ban from performing at home games instituted by Brighton High School’s Principal Brian Crowson. This controversial decision initiated a creative response from Central High that was manifested during a football game on September 19, where the band utilized kazoos to support their team and provide entertainment despite the restrictions placed upon them.
Dr. Ollie Liddell, the band director at Central High School, shared images of the kazoo performance on social media, highlighting the experience as one that brought the students together as a community. He expressed his discontent with Crowson’s decision, labeling it a cowardly move while questioning the reasoning behind the prohibition. Some users on social media also speculated that the ban stemmed from the claim that Central High’s band was deemed “too loud.” However, Principal Crowson refuted this idea, affirming that bands are meant to play loudly during football games, thereby contradicting the allegations made against the Central High band.
Roderick Richmond, the Interim Superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, noted that the administration at Brighton High cited concerns about sportsmanship as the rationale for banning the Central High band. Despite these concerns, Richmond clarified that there is no Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) rule preventing bands from performing during live game action. Furthermore, Richmond expressed his complete support for the Central High band students and their director, acknowledging their dedication and hard work while also emphasizing a commitment to engage in discussions with Brighton High’s administration about potential future band performances.
In Liddell’s two decades of teaching experience, he stated that this is the first time he has encountered a prohibition on a bandโs performance. Brighton High administration had previously announced that the Central band would not be allowed entrance to the football game with any instruments. In a creative effort to circumvent the situation, Central High’s Principal Amy Epps purchased 200 kazoos for the students. The band members enthusiastically embraced this alternative, playing kazoos in a show of school spirit, even as the Brighton High band provided music during the game.
The football match concluded with Central High securing a victory over Brighton High, with a final score of 28-21. Liddell later referred to the performance with kazoos as a “passive protest” against the initial ban. The adaptability of the students, alongside their ability to uphold school pride, drew admiration from the community, which celebrated their creativity and resilience amidst controversy.
Background
The incident highlights ongoing discussions regarding the role of school bands at sporting events, particularly in relation to perceived sportsmanship and the dynamics between rival schools. Band performances have traditionally been an integral part of the high school sports experience, fostering school spirit and community engagement.
Key Facts
- Central High’s band was banned by Brighton High Principal.
- The band performed with kazoos as a form of protest.
- Praise for the bandโs creativity came from community members.
- The football game ended with Central High winning 28-21.
FAQ Section
Why was the Memphis Central High School band banned from performing?
The Memphis Central High School marching band was banned from playing at home games by Brighton High Principal Brian Crowson due to concerns about sportsmanship.
What did the Central High band do during the football game?
During the football game at Brighton High, the Central High band used kazoos to perform and support their team as a creative protest against the ban.
What was the outcome of the football game?
The game ended with Central High winning 28-21 against Brighton High.
How did the band director feel about the ban?
Dr. Ollie Liddell, the director of Central High’s band, criticized Principal Crowson, calling him a coward and expressing that in his 20 years of teaching, he had never encountered a situation where a band was prohibited from performing.
Did the ban result in discussions about future performances?
Yes, Memphis-Shelby County Schools Interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond expressed a willingness for dialogue with the Brighton High administration regarding future band performances.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Ban on Central High School band from performing at Brighton High home games |
| Response | Performance with kazoos as a protest |
| Outcome of Game | Central High won 28-21 |
| Key Individuals | Dr. Ollie Liddell (Band Director), Roderick Richmond (Interim Superintendent) |
| Community Reaction | Support for student creativity and resilience |
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Additional Resources
- Local Memphis
- We Are Memphis
- Memphis Flyer
- Wikipedia: School Band
- Google Search: Memphis Central High School band
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