When the Timpanogos High School Marching Band takes the field for the Redrocks Marching Band Competition on Nov. 5, it may be the last time they perform under that name. For a while, anyway.

If a new proposal is agreed to, the Timpanogos marching band may join with the bands from Orem High School and Mountain View High School by the 2022-2023 school year. The trio would combine for one unified marching band.

“What this proposal would do is it would bring the three band directors together in an awesome collaboration to be able to learn from each other, and be able to produce a show that would be a much bigger production than any of the schools have currently created,” Joe Jensen, the Timpanogos principal, said.

According to Jensen, this joining of forces with Orem and Mountain View wouldn’t be due to a lack of funding for the marching band, but rather a lack of student enrollment. Other bands in Utah County have over 300 students while the THS marching band currently has around 20.

“Right now with a marching band of 20 kids … we have some sections that might not even have an instrument, or there’s only one instrument in that section,” Jensen said. “The goal is to grow that band significantly.”

With this proposal, the three bands would take on an entirely new name, as well as a new joint identity.

The unification of the marching bands would be a temporary solution, according to Jensen, until marching band enrollment numbers are high enough that the schools can separate into their respective programs once more.

“One of the goals … is to grow this band to the point where each school can split back off and have a decent-sized band at every school,” he said. “I don’t know if that would be a two-year proposal or a three-year or five-year, there’s not a specific cut off for that.”

While Jensen and many of his colleagues are excited about the proposed change, other Orem residents don’t view the possible unification in the same positive light. Some parents, students and community members feel the change to the THS marching band’s identity could be a negative.

A petition created on Change.org entitled “Show Your Support for the Marching T-wolves!” was posted by “Friends of the THS MB.” The petition had received 419 signatures as of Thursday afternoon.

“Thank you for your overwhelming support to help us try to keep the marching t-wolves untouched! We may have lost the battle but the hearts of many marching t-wolves have been touched by your support!” Stated the petition. “The fate of the marching t-wolves has yet to be determined and only time will tell what the outcome will be. Still the valiant t-wolves will continue to march on the field knowing that they ‘aren’t quitters’ and will finish out the season strong!”

Along with the petition, a 17-page document has circulated providing testimonials in response to the questions: “What has Timpanogos Marching Band meant to you? How would you feel if it was gone?”

Among the students and alumni who responded, many felt that the marching band had been a safe haven for them during high school, and they feared that could be taken away with the creation of the unified marching band.

The creators of the petition declined to be identified or interviewed, but did provide a statement regarding the ongoing situation.

“I don’t know that anything may be done at this point in time to keep the unique culture of the Timpanogos marching band intact, short of the individual that helped build it or an alumni of the program taking the reins,” Friends of THS MB wrote to the Daily Herald. “In the decision regarding the fate of THS marching band, it seems that free speech is no longer free but comes at a great cost to the students and those advocating for them.”

Ultimately, the fate of the marching band will be determined by Jensen and the other educators that oversee the program. However, he added, they will gather input from students, parents, and community members before a final decision is reached.

“Even now as the devastating reality sets in, despite a petition nearly 400 strong, that there will be no vote to determine the future of Timpanogos marching band, the band and guard march on.” Friends of THS MB wrote. “With COVID being the most convenient excuse to explain enrollment decline it is readily accepted so I think even with a vote it is doubtful that the tide would change.”

It is unclear when a decision regarding the future of the Marching Timberwolves will be reached, but according to Jensen, one thing is for sure — he and his colleagues are only trying to do what is best for the students of Timpanogos High School.

“The point is to create an experience where kids would have a better band experience, that’s all we’re trying to accomplish,” Jensen said.

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