I think we are going to have to agree to disagree here, Metzy. I do not agree that you can segregate band as a class from band as an extracurricular activity. As long as the extracurricular requirements were communicated to the students and their parents at a time that a student could still easily choose to drop the class, I see no problem here at all.

Can suggest a different logical consequence that would have been effective? It seems to me that threatening the students grade was the best tool available.

School is mandatory. Being in the band is not. If participating in the band fund raiser is a mandatory part of being in the band, and the very liberal policy of excused absence is insufficient for your tastes, then don't take band.

I still say fundraising is a volunteer-based activity. Even with the provisions. There is a line here and it has been crossed. Band, during school hours, is the equivilant of any other class. It is considered a 'fine arts' requirement, along with chorus, orchestra, art, etc. Our group made 'band' its project this year, purchasing instruments for the program. This should not be confused with an after school or before school activity. I sold candy to earn a uniform for marching band, which was held before school. The Booster Club raised funds, the band members helped, the uniforms were made by our mothers. This is not the same thing. If the school band teacher was in need of stuff, he/she should have gone to the principal, the school district, the PTO, the Booster Club, the community or even VH1's Save The Music site. Band instruments can be rented from a local music store (that's how ours is done). Asking the kids to help was fine, but lowering their grade if they didn't? As a parent, I would have asked my child to attend and help out. If he didn't want to, he should be free to say 'no' and I shouldn't have to write a note to excuse him. School is mandatory. Fundraising is not. Absence from school requires a note. Absense from a fundraiser does not.

I have to say I agree wholeheartedly with KC, who articulated the issues quite well. With the note from the parent as an option, I don't see the problem.

Band is one of those interesting programs that is a cross between a class and an activity. There is certainly no problem with telling people "if you want to be part of soccer, you have to be part of soccer fund raisers." But Band is a class, and you get a grade, and is it right to require participation in band fundraising?

The obvious answer that pops into my mind is to say that the non-participating student just can't take part in the extracurricular activity portion of being in band. But how do you segregate those portions? Again, the mixed nature of Band makes it a real problem.

But look at the specifics of the case: the student was required to participate OR get a note from their parent excusing them. No student was told "participate or else". But the student was put in a position where they couldn't just choose to not show up and help, they had to get their parents involved too.

Every student with a parent who thought they had a valid reason was allowed out. Unless the teacher passed judgement on the validity of the reason to not participate, I really don't see where there is a problem here.

I'd have to agree with MetzyMom, that is outrageous!!! Go directly to the principal with this and then higher if necessary. I don't care if it is a non-profit with a tax ID or not, participation in fundraisers should be on a voluntary basis only. If the teacher were to give extra credit for those who participated instead of taking points away for those that did not, that might be different, but I still don't think I'd like that either.

OMG!!! Does your principal know about this? Grades are based on a child's ability to perform, NOT their ability to sell candy bars! There may or may not be a law against it, but I'm sure your district offices would just LOVE to hear about it. Come to think of it, wouldn't that fall under child labor laws? Or more likely, Child Slave Labor?!?
I don't know if I would use the chain of command here (talk to the band teacher, then the principal, then the district office), I think I would head straight for the principals office. If I didn't get a satisfactory response there, I would head for the district offices. If I still wasn't happy, I'd head straight for the newspaper! Regardless, I would not let my own child be strong-armed into any fundraiser. I would not let any child be strong-armed by any adult for any reason over a lousy fundraising (or any other kind for that matter) buck.