[Alberta's Child]

I think the argument you are presenting here is not really applicable. If the act of paying school taxes somehow entitles one to use whatever school facilities/programs he or she wishes, then the school would have no right to exclude adults from their band, either.

I'm usually the first one to stand up for the rights of parents who homeschool their kids, but in this case I'm on the side of the school. The kid is either a student of the school, or she's not. She can't have it both ways.

[onevoter]

You state, " The kid is either a student of the school, or she's not. She can't have it both ways."

Absolutely true. Most schools are funded based on head count. Paying taxes doesn't mean that this particular school receives money to cover this girl just because she lives nearby. Life is about choices and this is one of them. My taxes help pay for services for the Vetaran's Hospital down the street - that doesn't mean that I can walk in and demand free medical care.

[Born in a Rage]

If the act of paying school taxes somehow entitles one to use whatever school facilities/programs he or she wishes, then the school would have no right to exclude adults from their band, either.

No, because schools are for people of certain ages.

It's more like having a public senior center that is paid for by taxpayers tell a senior that they can't play with the senior citizen band because they play bingo with the local church (who is the senior groups competition).

[JerseyHighlander]

In NJ high schools can't exclude adults who live within the community from marching with the band, as long as the band director or head of the music curriculum gives a volunteer waiver to the adult. A chaperone/school volunteer who happens to take part in parade field trips, and just happens to own a trumpet and even more amazingly just so happens to know the 2nd trumpet part to Ode to Joy, Souza marches, and 15 other compositions the band is performing.